National supports Kiwi deployment in Iraq

The National Party is reaffirming its support for the decision to send a group of New Zealand Army engineers to Iraq.

"The National Party's right behind this tour of duty, although we reserve the right to ask questions if we don't think our armed personnel are being properly resourced," says National Party Defence spokesman Simon Power.

The Rangitikei MP was on hand when the 53-strong group left from the Ohakea Airbase this morning. "Our defence personnel are internationally respected for the work they've done in the world's worst trouble spots.

"I'm certain they'll exceed expectations and do us proud again," says Mr Power.

"The National Party believes it's entirely appropriate for New Zealand to pull its weight in the rebuilding of Iraq, where the ingenuity of our engineers is desperately needed.

"But the Opposition has a role in asking questions about the Defence Force work-load and resourcing.

"National joins all New Zealanders in wishing our troops well and a speedy and safe return home," says Mr Power.

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Arguably Reassuring: Inspector-General Finds GCSB "Arguably" Legal

Of the 88 individuals:

• 15 cases involving 22 individuals did not have any information intercepted by GCSB.

• another four cases involving five individuals were the subjects of a New Zealand Security Intelligence Service warrant and the GCSB assisted in the execution of the warrants. The Inspector-General is of the view that there were arguably no breaches and the law is unclear.

• the Bureau only provided technical assistance which did not involve interception of communications, involving three of the individuals, so no breach occurred.

• the remaining cases involved the collection of metadata, and the Inspector-General formed the view that there had arguably been no breach, noting once again that the law is unclear.
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