Wayne Mapp

National Defence Spokesperson

Sunday 10 September 2000

Another example of Helen's hypocrisy

The Government's decision to go ahead with a naval symposium in Auckland where Indonesia will be represented smacks of hypocrisy, National Defence spokesperson Wayne Mapp said today.

"Is this another example of doing one thing in Opposition and another in Government?

"Labour was very noisy in Opposition about imposing a complete ban on defence ties with Indonesia. It seems that in allowing this symposium to go ahead they've had a rude awakening to the realities of our multilateral ties.

"Last year New Zealand suspended bilateral defence co-operation with Indonesia in response to the crisis in East Timor.

"All New Zealanders are worried about the grave situation in East Timor. Before the Government takes a step like this they should be consulting with all the parties in Parliament.

"I am calling for a briefing from the Government to hear why the symposium should go ahead with Indonesia present.

"The apparent about-turn is something Helen Clark will have to explain to the Opposition and to the people of New Zealand," Dr Mapp said.

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