Another UN attack: means NO to NZ involvement in Iraq

'The attack on the United Nations in Iraq yesterday sends a clear warning signal to all nations there that they are viewed as part of the army of occupation. The Labour Government is insisting on sending NZ engineers to serve with a British unit in Basra, Iraq. This clearly says that New Zealand thinks that the invasion and continued occupation of Iraq is acceptable.' said Peace Action Wellington member Valerie Morse

'The New Zealand troops due to be deployed on Friday, September 26, are not acting as part of a United Nations force. We need to ask our government why they are helping to support an illegal and unjust occupation.'

'While the idea of assisting in the reconstruction of Iraq seems like a good one, we must ask, who are they actually going to be helping - the British and Americans or the Iraqis? We have not been invited by the Iraqi people. If our government is truly concerned about the welfare of the Iraqi people, then they would be offering direct medical aid, not helping an occupying army.'

'The Labour Government is dragging New Zealand into a dangerous situation. Our first troop commitment to Vietnam was also engineers. We cannot underestimate the impact that this deployment will have, both in supporting an illegal occupation and also on the good reputation that New Zealand now enjoys.'

Peace Action Wellington is calling for an immediate end to support for US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. A public demonstration against the deployment will be happening on Thursday, 25th September at 12 noon outside the NZDF Headquarters on Stout Street.

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