Coalition commitment to combat terrorism, rebuild Iraq

The Progressive Party strongly supports multilateral efforts to defeat the threat to global security and freedom posed by Islamic fundamentalist fascist movements, Progressive leader Jim Anderton said today.

Speaking in Parliament, Jim Anderton strongly backed the prime minister's announcement that New Zealand will increase its contribution to combating terrorism in Afghanistan and the international effort to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Iraq.

"Resolutions of the United Nations Security Council provided the basis for New Zealand's commitment to international peace and security in Afghanistan and Iraq," Jim Anderton said.

Resolution 1368, adopted in September 2001, affirmed the right of the United States-led multilateral force to take action in self-defence following the terrorist attacks on innocent civilians in the United States on September 11 of that year, the Progressive leader said.

New Zealand's contributions to Operation Enduring Freedom are justified under Resolution 1368, and subsequent resolutions including 1373 and 1378, that recognize the inherent right of nations to individual and collective self-defence in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, Jim Anderton said.

"In relation to Iraq, UN Security Council Resolution 1483 of late last month gave United Nations recognition to a post-war interim Iraqi Authority. The resolution provides for a key role for the United Nations in reconstruction and rehabilitation," he said.

The New Zealand deployment in Iraq explicitly distinguishes between reconstruction action under Resolution 1483, and support for the UK in its role as an Occupying Power following the war.

"New Zealanders have always consistently pulled their weight in international affairs. "New Zealand's contribution to multilateral humanitarian aid and peace-making has been matched by few other countries over the past 50 years. Our latest contributions to the security of the people of Iraq and Afghanistan are last in a very long, proud history of New Zealand engagement in multilateral actions to make the world a better place," he added.

The Progressive Party extends its best wishes and prayers to the men and women who will serve New Zealand far away from home, and to their families who will stay at home.

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