3 September 2013

Green Party supports parliamentary motion on Syria

The Green Party today gave its support to a Notice of Motion condemning the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

The motion, carried unanimously in the House this afternoon, condemned the use of poison gas in that country, and called on United Nations Security Council members to agree on concerted action. This included bringing those responsible to account, the destruction of all chemical weapons in Syria under United Nations supervision, and a halt to the supply of weapons into the country.

“The Green Party was prepared to support the motion once it was made clear that these actions did not in any way, express or implied, sanction any military strike against Syria,” said the Green Party global affairs spokesperson Kennedy Graham.

“On receiving the Motion, we discussed the draft with Labour and got agreement to make it clear that all of these actions – prosecutions and disarmament – would be non-military. Once Labour revised its draft accordingly, we were happy to support.

“I also asked a question in the House today, requiring the Prime Minister to support a debate and vote on Syria before the Government announces any policy on the Syrian crisis.

“The Government, while accepting the need for a debate on an issue of this importance, indicated it has no desire to support a vote on any future stance it may take regarding Syria.

“This compares unfavourably with the experience in the British Parliament, from which our own system is derived.

“No New Zealand policy on a matter as important as this should be taken without Parliament having the chance to debate and vote on the matter,” said Dr Graham.

“This is consistent with my member’s bill on international non-aggression that is in the ballot, which would prohibit our country unlawfully engaging in armed force against other countries.

“The International Non-Aggression bill would require a written opinion by the Attorney-General, tabled in Parliament, affirming that any use of force by New Zealand is consistent with the United Nations Charter.”

ENDS

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