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Govt Completes National's Army Purchases
13 December 2000
The Defence Minister is kidding himself if he thinks he can feign some sort of commitment to our defence force by announcing the purchase of equipment that National initiated, National's Defence spokesman Wayne Mapp said today.
"Every one of the proposed equipment purchases announced today were heralded by National in November 1998. Expressions of interest were invited for these projects in 1999.
"The purchase of new radios, light armoured vehicles, and light operational vehicles were committed to by National.
"It is ironic that Mr Burton is using today's announcement as an example of the Government's determination to 'rebuild the capabilities of the New Zealand Defence Force'. All Labour has done since they took office is downgrade the capability of our defence force.
"If Mr Burton is really committed to ensuring we have a capable defence force he will ensure we have a Navy and Air Force that are able to properly contribute to regional security," Dr Mapp said.
Ends
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