United New Zealand leader, Hon Peter Dunne, has accused the Government of a flagrant double standard in its developing policy towards North Korea.

Foreign Minister Phil Goff told Parliament today that following the historic summit between the two Koreas he plans to meet North Korea's Foreign Minister to discuss improving diplomatic relations between New Zealand and North Korea.

"Mr Goff made it clear to Parliament that any improvement in New Zealand's relations with North Korea would be on the basis of recognising North Korea as a separate country, despite the lessons of history, and the eventual aim of both Koreas for eventual reunification."

"Mr Goff's 'Two Koreas' policy is completely at variance with the Government's continued slavish adherence to the 'One China' policy with respect to China and Taiwan."

"It is a blatant double standard which destroys any claim this Government may have to following a foreign policy based on consistent principles, including respect for the rule of law, and the promotion of freedom and democracy."

"The only reasonable explanation apart from political hypocrisy, for this gross inconsistency, is that the Labour/Alliance Government is more inclined to favour old-style totalitarian communist regimes, ahead of emerging democracies."

"On this basis, the Government's continued outrage about anti-democratic coups in small Pacific countries like Fiji and the Solomon Islands is now revealed as just a pathetic, hollow meaningless sham, unworthy of being taken seriously or accorded any respect."

"Mr Goff should hang his head in shame at these moral contortions," Mr Dunne says.

ENDS

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