MEDIA STATEMENT
Hon Tariana Turia and Hon Dr Pita Sharples
Maori Party Co-Leaders
Friday 30 November 2012
The Maori Party welcomes the statement from Foreign Affairs Minister McCully that New Zealand will vote in support of
the UN resolution to recognise Palestine as a non-member observer state.
“We understand and sympathise with the desire of the Palestinian peoples for tino rangatiratanga and mana motuhake.
“We think recognition of the Palestinian delegation as a non-member observer state to the UN gives appropriate
recognition to this desire.
“Peoples and cultures will not rest until they have proper recognition, and we believe it is necessary in order to
achieve peace in the Middle East.
“With this international status, the Palestinian peoples will be better able to negotiate with other parties and states
to secure a lasting peace in the Middle East based on mutual recognition and respect and a common interest in peace and
prosperity in the region.”
ENDS