Anderton Should Shut Up Says Peters

New Zealand First has told the Government to stop its “crass” diplomacy with the United States because it is placing New Zealand’s trade and security interests in jeopardy.

Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters emphasised today that no one disputed the Government’s right to take its own stand over international events, but he said it had no right to lock up New Zealand’s destiny in a long term dispute with the United States.

“The latest development, with senior cabinet minister Jim Anderton hurling ill conceived comments at United States officials simply won’t do.

“The abusive self justification emanating from the Beehive places New Zealand’s position in grave doubt and the United States should be told that when Helen Clark and her acolytes depart from their script about the Iraq war, they do not speak for the rest of us.

“Mr Anderton’s jingoistic belligerence does this country no credit whatsoever and he should have kept his comments to himself.

“The Prime Minister’s unfortunate remarks could not be shrugged off as being of no moment. They were personal and embarrassing and it does no credit to Mr Anderton to join the fray like a rugby player rushing to join a punch up on a paddock.”

Mr Peters said that it was time that Helen Clark and Jim Anderton got off their high horses and acted in New Zealand’s interests instead of trying to justify their diplomatic blunders.

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