Dr Wayne Mapp National Foreign Affairs Spokesperson

10 November 2002

National supports commitment of weapons inspectors

National fully supports New Zealand's commitment of 10 people to the weapons inspection teams to ensure Iraq is disarmed, says National Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Dr Wayne Mapp.

"New Zealand must be prepared to back the enforcement of the United Nation's resolution requiring Iraq to admit inspectors and for any weapons of mass destruction to be destroyed.

"Iraq cannot be permitted to avoid its obligations. The credibility of the United Nations enforcement procedures is on the line.

"Unless the resolution is fully respected the United Nations will be unable to play an effective role in securing peace, not just in the current case but also in future conflicts," Dr Mapp said.

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