So much for a 'principled' stand on Iraq

The revelation that a plan was drawn up in January to deploy troops to Iraq following the war is yet another example of this Government's blatant dishonesty, says National's Foreign Affairs spokesman, Wayne Mapp.

"The Foreign Affairs Minister told the foreign affairs, defence and trade select committee today that a plan to commit New Zealand defence staff to Iraq was being put together two months before the war even started.

"Yet at the same time, the Government was speaking out against a second Security Council resolution, authorising multi-lateral force.

"Helen Clark has argued 'principles' to try and justify New Zealand's failure to stand alongside its friends and allies.

"So much for principles. Today's admission by Phil Goff clearly demonstrates that this Government has been more interested in misleading the public, than standing on any principles," says Dr Mapp.

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