January 22, 2002, AFP, PM takes dim view of claim NZ troops in Afghanistan building German WCs,

January 22, 2002, AFP, PM takes dim view of claim NZ troops in Afghanistan building German WCs,
Tuesday 12:27 PM

WELLINGTON, Jan 22 (AFP) -Prime Minister Helen Clark Tuesday refused to confirm that New Zealand special forces soldiers were in Afghanistan despite reports they were helping build toilets for German soldiers.

Clark has steadfastly refused to confirm the Special Air Serviceswere in Afghanistan supporting the US anti-terror campaign.

But Die Welt newspaper of Germany has quoted German Defence Secretary Rudolf Scharping as saying the New Zealanders were preparing accommodation for the German advance commandos in Kabul.

At a news conference Tuesday, Clark maintained her refusal to confirm the SAS role.

"Building latrines isn't their core business, but then I haven't commented on whether they are there are not. The thing is they are very well regarded... for their counter-terrorist skills and their tracking skills... They are not army engineers of course," Clark said.

The SAS had been renovating the windowless main building of the complex near Kabul, Die Welt reported. About 12 storage halls and several other buildings were being converted for administrative functions.

Besides the commandos, Germany was also contributing 70 soldiers, including paratroopers.