Ron Mark MP

New Zealand First Deputy Leader

Spokesperson for Defence
15 SEPTEMBER 2015

More Kiwi Troops Likely for Iraq

New Zealand First understands more New Zealand troops will be committed to Iraq.

“In Parliament today Prime Minister John Key claimed he had no knowledge of an additional commitment, but New Zealand First understands a platoon is being readied,” says Defence Spokesperson Ron Mark.

“This is surprising considering the Prime Minister said in February, when announcing the deployment of 143 personnel on a so-called training mission, that the commitment would be reviewed after a year. Now we are told extra troops will go.

“In the months before the initial deployment announcement Mr Key continually denied any decision had been made when in fact troops were already in pre-deployment training. Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee treated New Zealand First’s information with disdain, suggesting our defence contacts were out of date.

“It is therefore not surprising we do not have much faith in the Prime Minister’s answer today,” says Mr Mark.

“Given the sensitivity of this deployment it is time for the government to report back on what is happening in Iraq regarding the security and protection of our troops, who we argue should not even be there.”

ENDS

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