30th April 2009

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE HON MURRAY McCULLY
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Dear Hon Murray McCully

We are concerned that the failure of New Zealand to attend the recent United Nations Durban II review conference on racism is undermining the nation’s interests.

Our security and prosperity depend crucially on our ability to work with other nations on bilateral, regional and global levels. Over the years we have built up a reputation as an independent, principled and confident promoter of our interests, and of the interests of the international community. In particular, we have developed a reputation of being able to seek the middle way between conflicting parties.

The Durban II conference was clearly going to be a difficult and contentious one, and proved to be so. However, it was a conference that dealt with issues of significance for New Zealand, with critical sub-issues which bear on global security and stability. The UN had done much to address the problems, and the controversy was limited to relatively few parties. An outcome has been achieved, but sadly without New Zealand’s contribution.

Our withdrawal speaks of timidity and lack of confidence in our ability to face the realities of the world of international affairs. We have also failed to do justice to the capability and determination of our diplomatic staff to make a positive contribution to this very challenging situation.

More critically, we have contributed to the threat of a world which is incapable of coming together to address sensitive issues. This contribution will detract from our ability to resolve difficult issues in other areas of national importance.

We have just been commemorating the sacrifice of many of our citizens who gave themselves for our nation’s security and for a better world. Today our security depends primarily on our diplomatic capabilities. Let us not dishonour past sacrifices by failing in this challenge.

We urge the government to re-affirm its commitment to international engagement, and to re-invigorating our efforts to promote world peace, justice and prosperity through our engagement with the United Nations.

Yours sincerely.

Antony Vallyon
President

ENDS

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