Bill English

National Party Leader

12 September 2002

Government flip-flops on Ira

qIt is disgraceful that the Government is now refusing to commit military support for even UN-backed action on Iraq, says National Leader Bill English.

"When asked in Parliament the most the Government would say is that they will be "considering any resolutions which are passed by the UN."

"The Government has been all over the place on the issue of Iraq. First they ruled out any involvement, and then they called for a UN mandate before they would consider any contribution.

"Now they say they'll only "consider" a UN resolution before making up their mind, and it appears they have ruled out military support by saying that any support may be logistical rather than military. Our allies deserve better than this.

"National's position is clear - New Zealand should push for a UN resolution which mandates military action against Saddam if he continues to ignore UN resolutions and shut out weapons inspectors.

"September 11th showed us that the values of peace and freedom don't come without a price. We have to be prepared to stand alongside our allies and help destroy Iraq's weapons of mass destruction," said Mr English.

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