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CNN World Report

'Nam Vets to Be Compensated in New Zealand

Aired June 24, 2001 - 14:18   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
ASIEH NAMDAR, CNN ANCHOR: In New Zealand, some Vietnam veterans are preparing to collect compensation for health problems caused by their military service. In April, the government announced they would pay $10,000 to every former prisoner of war and each soldier who continues to suffer from their service. The move follows similar announcements from the United Kingdom and Canada. TV New Zealand reports on why some are still unhappy with the plan.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GARTH BRAY, TVNZ CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's Evan MacKenzie's 16th operation on his wounded knee that's knocked him off his feet. But if it hadn't been for that, news of the new deal for veterans surely would have.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think it has been a concession on the prime minister's behalf; it is a quick and he has acted and the pressure was put on.

BRAY: Evan's plight was highlight in a recent homes (ph) investigation, where the government said it would act.

HELEN CLARK, NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER: I fully understand that the Vietnam veterans came back to a country which was very divided over the war in which they had fought. They came back having fought in the war with a number of chemical and toxic agents.

BRAY: As well as cheaper health care, all Vietnam vets will now be able to work while drawing pensions.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Free counseling and health costs will certainly be a major benefit to the victim community as a whole.

Veteran's families share this victory, getting long-awaited counseling for stress, but for now, the only birth defects which qualify for extra help, a spinal (UNINTELLIGIBLE) or cleft palate. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) suffered severe birth defects. A weak heart means she will never work or have children.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I feel very disappointed; I had faith in what the delegation that went down, and I feel very angry. Very, hurt. And I will continue to fight.

BRAY: Veterans and families aren't completely satisfied. They've spent years and thousands of dollars fighting for these rights.

(voice-over): There is to be no compensation for that loss, and many still struggle from the scars of war.

From TVNZ, I'm Garth Bray reporting for CNN WORLD REPORT.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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