New Zealand missing in action

National's Foreign Affairs spokesman is questioning why New Zealand isn't part of an agreement reached by 11 nations to search ships for weapons of mass destruction.

Wayne Mapp was commenting on the agreement which has been prompted by North Korea's nuclear ambitions and is intended to be effective in preventing nuclear proliferation.

"New Zealand's absence is another example of this country distancing itself from multilateral efforts, simply because the agreement doesn't have the specific approval of the UN Security Council," says Dr Mapp.

"The agreement covers all the major players, the United States, Australia, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Spain - but not New Zealand."

"Our stance is the difference between pious words, so fondly adopted by our Prime Minister, and taking concrete measures to try and disarm rogue nations.

"We should be on board with our friends and allies," says Dr Mapp.

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