NZ is Already a Victim of Terrorism

Friday 2 Nov 2001 Richard Prebble Press Releases -- Foreign Affairs & Defence

ACT leader Richard Prebble, in response to media questions today about the possibility of the Taliban issuing a holy war, or jihad, again New Zealand as well as Australia, said this country was already a victim of terrorism.

"Two New Zealanders died in the attacks of September 11. New Zealanders both at home and abroad are being directly affected by the consequences of the attacks on the United States," Mr Prebble said.

"Our economy has been affected, our freedoms have been reduced and the world will never be the same.

"Those who think we can escape the effects of terrorism by doing nothing are deluded. The Taliban regime have treated all attempts at negotiation with contempt. They began their terrorism at home against their own people, torturing and murdering their opponents, and refusing women the right to be educated or have even elementary freedoms.

"The refugees from Afghanistan didn't start with the American bombing - the Taliban had already driven out more than two million of their own people.

"The Afghani people were facing starvation before September 11, not because of any action from the US, Australia or New Zealand, but because the Taliban had driven out international aid workers.

"It's time for all people who believe in freedom to make a stand," Mr Prebble said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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