Government shifting position on Iraq
Wayne Mapp - National Foreign Affairs Spokesperson
The Government’s clearly shifting its thinking on Iraq with Phil Goff’s statement that “all necessary means” will be
taken to ensure that Iraq complies with United Nations resolutions, says National’s Foreign Affairs spokesman, Wayne
Mapp.
“New Zealanders who support the United Nations would undoubtedly welcome Mr Goff’s statement that New Zealand requires
Iraq to immediately and unconditionally comply with the UN.
“But it is interesting to note that the Minister says that “further non-compliance will result in a resolution which
allows all necessary means to enforce these requirements on Iraq.”
“This is a similar position to the one consistently advocated by National, and is a significant change from previous
Government statements – including those by the Prime Minister.
“Is this a change in Government policy? New Zealanders deserve an assurance from the highest level that this country
supports a resolution authorising the use of force should Iraq not comply.
“The UN system must be respected by all states. All states must contribute when the UN system is flouted – which is what
Iraq has done so many times in the past.
“New Zealand needs to be unequivocal and that commitment can only come from the Prime Minister,” says Dr Mapp.