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Iraq Mess Sees Tony Abbott Confirm the Mission for NZ

Iraq Mess Sees Tony Abbott Confirm the Mission for New Zealand

New Zealand First believes the Prime Minister of Australia has shown greater transparency over the Iraqi mission than the New Zealand Prime Minister has.

“The imperiousness of the New Zealand government and callousness towards our men and women in uniform, is highlighted by Tony Abbot confirming the mission yesterday in a media release,” says Ron Mark, New Zealand First Defence spokesperson.

“We now know the mission will be fully operational in May, which means our men and women are commencing deployment.

“The least our service men and women are owed from ‘our’ Prime Minister is for him to front. It is his decision to deploy them into a war zone on the eve of ANZAC day so where is he?

“Of concern to New Zealand First, aside from the entire mission, is yet more mixed messages. Mr Abbott says Australia’s deployment is to be reviewed after two years whereas Mr Key says two years and that is it. Where’s the truth?

“Given Mr Abbott’s media release took the New Zealand government on the hop, it raises serious issues over command and control in-theatre. And what about the vital status of forces agreement? We have no idea of what it is or if there is one we’d expect.

“When it comes to Iraq, the New Zealand government has been as clear as the Tigris River near the Taji Military Complex,” Mr Mark said

ENDS

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