Labour's support of France and Russia wrong

The New Zealand Government's support for the Franco-Russian position on Iraq is wrong because it will result in a break down of the United Nations system, National says.

"The use of the veto by France and Russia will destroy the very multilateralism the Labour Government applauds so much," says National Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Dr Wayne Mapp.

"The United Nations system is best supported by the second resolution proposed by the United States, Britain and Spain.

"Supporting nations threatening a breakaway veto gives the dictators the message that they can defy UN resolutions with virtual impunity. This is why National supports the second resolution.

"In considering New Zealand's stance on Iraq, Helen Clark would do well to take on board some of the sentiments of Labour hero, East Timor Foreign Minister Jose Romas-Horta. He states he is unimpressed by 'grandstanding of certain European leaders. Their actions undermine the only truly effective means of pressure on the Iraqi dictator - the threat of the use of force'," Dr Mapp said.

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