NZ Navy & AirForce join campaign against terrorism

Monday, 11 November 2002, 5:07 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

The Government has this afternoon issued a statement on NZ's contribution to the "War on Terror" , dramatically increasing the level of NZ armed services participation.

The release says the following...

"NZ Navy and Air Force to join international campaign against terrorism

Prime Minister Helen Clark and Defence Minister Mark Burton announced today that a New Zealand frigate and a P3 Orion maritime surveillance aircraft would be deployed to international operations campaign against the Taleban and Al-Qaeda as part of the ongoing Operation Enduring Freedom.

Helen Clark and Mark Burton said that in October 2001 Parliament had supported New Zealand’s offer of assistance, including special forces, as part of the response of the United States and the international community to the 11 September terrorist attacks.

“Cabinet has today approved the deployment of a New Zealand frigate to the Operation Enduring Freedom Maritime Interdiction Operation (MIO), from now until June 2003.

“HMNZS Te Kaha, currently off West Australia, will be deployed immediately to join the Canadian-led Coalition Task Group, patrolling the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman."

For the full press release including a Q&A sheet see... http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00245.htm

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Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

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