Ahmed Zaoui's lawyer has given a mixed response to this morning's Supreme Court decision.

Deborah Manning is pleased part of the Court of Appeal decision was upheld.

The Supreme Court has ruled that the Inspector General of Security does not have to take Ahmed Zaoui's human rights into consideration when assessing whether the risk certificate issued against him by the SIS is valid.

However, it has also ruled that the Immigration Minister must not take steps towards deportation if he is satisfied that there are grounds to believe Mr Zaoui would be killed or tortured as a result.

Ms Manning says it is good that the court has ruled the threat to national security must be substantial and the Inspector-General's decision must be based on objective and reasonable grounds.

However, she is concerned the fate of Mr Zaoui could rest in the hands of a politician.

Ms Manning says the fight for Ahmed Zaoui is far from over, now they head into the real engine-room of the case.

Prime Minister Helen Clark says today's decision clears the way for the case to be wrapped up.

She says in the end, it will be the Government's decision although that does not mean Mr Zaoui will automatically be sent packing.

Miss Clark has given an undertaking that no one will be deported from New Zealand if there is a risk to their life.

A decision on Mr Zaoui's fate is unlikely this side of the election.