NZ Should Have Been Able to Stand Alongside Aussies

Wednesday 17 Oct 2001 Richard Prebble Press Releases -- Foreign Affairs & Defence

Australia's decision to send 1550 troops plus four F/A-18 jet strike fighters and two long-range P3 Orion reconnaissance aircraft to the war against terrorism, is a significant commitment, ACT leader Richard Prebble says.

"If New Zealand had upgraded to F-16s, which are being flown over Afghanistan today, we would also have been able to make a military contribution," Mr Prebble said.

"New Zealand can't even offer upgraded Orions because that's another project this government canned.

"It's also significant that senior US congressman Henry Hyde has introduced a resolution into the US Congress to acknowledge Australia's partnership with America in the ANZUS Treaty, following the Australian House of Representatives' resolution invoking Article IV of ANZUS.

"New Zealand's contribution is in danger of being overlooked because of our government's refusal to invoke Article IV which, as a legal member of ANZUS, I believe we're obliged to do.

"I also note on Fox News that President Bush is scheduled to hold one-to-one talks with a large number of world leaders at APEC next week, including John Howard. Helen Clark is so far conspicuous by her absence from Mr Bush's schedule," Mr Prebble said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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