Former Minister Calls Zelensky Address ‘An Affront To Democracy.’
Wednesday, 14 December 2022, 12:59 pm Press Release: World Beyond War
World BEYOND War Aotearoa spokesperson Hon. Matt Robson
said today that the Zelensky address aimed to lock New
Zealand into the NATO war strategy in Ukraine was an affront
to democracy.
“The New Zealand Parliament this
morning turned its Debating Chamber into a stage-managed
event to commit New Zealand to the NATO path of a prolonged
war in the Ukraine with the declared aim of weakening
Russia, “he said.
The former Minister of Disarmament
in the Helen Clark government said the prepared pro-war
speeches of Labour National, the Greens and Act leaders
showed there was never any intention to have MPs consider
the complexities of this war or to genuinely discuss the
wisdom of New Zealand's growing military integration with a
nuclear armed NATO and its dangerous confrontation
strategy.
It also lost an opportunity to question or
challenge President Zelensky about any aspect of the peace
process or even request a Christmas truce, as requested by
the global peace movement, he said.
“Prolonging the
war with Russia is not in the best interests of New Zealand
or anyone involved in the conflict, except for those who
profit from war.
“New Zealand should be using our
voice to foster true peace-making, dialogue, diplomacy and
de-escalation of conflict,” said Hon. Matt
Robson.
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