Government shifting position on Iraq

Wayne Mapp - National Foreign Affairs Spokesperson

The Government’s clearly shifting its thinking on Iraq with Phil Goff’s statement that “all necessary means” will be taken to ensure that Iraq complies with United Nations resolutions, says National’s Foreign Affairs spokesman, Wayne Mapp.

“New Zealanders who support the United Nations would undoubtedly welcome Mr Goff’s statement that New Zealand requires Iraq to immediately and unconditionally comply with the UN.

“But it is interesting to note that the Minister says that “further non-compliance will result in a resolution which allows all necessary means to enforce these requirements on Iraq.”

“This is a similar position to the one consistently advocated by National, and is a significant change from previous Government statements – including those by the Prime Minister.

“Is this a change in Government policy? New Zealanders deserve an assurance from the highest level that this country supports a resolution authorising the use of force should Iraq not comply.

“The UN system must be respected by all states. All states must contribute when the UN system is flouted – which is what Iraq has done so many times in the past.

“New Zealand needs to be unequivocal and that commitment can only come from the Prime Minister,” says Dr Mapp.

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