Should NZ support Desert Storm 2?

Monday, July 22nd, 2002

Will New Zealand support Desert Storm 2? Election question.

War in the Middle East against Saddam Hussein is almost certain before the year's end, but the position of our political leaders is not known on what New Zealand's stance is to be.

The Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern) says New Zealand's role in the imminent war is relevant to Saturday's poll.

EMA's chief executive, Alasdair Thompson expects the war to deliver a major shock to New Zealand's prospects for economic growth.

He said the questions our political leaders should respond to before next Saturday include: "If the war begins, what should New Zealand's role be?

"Would New Zealand offer armed forces support as we did in Afghanistan?

"Would we offer only diplomatic support? "How should the negative economic impact of a war be counteracted?

"The signs heading the US and Britain into war against Iraq are growing stronger by the day. President Bush's new doctrine of 'pre-emptive response' is clearly targeting Iraq. Britain announced on July 7th that 30,000 troops would be sent to help oust Hussein, and military exercises in Europe are being cancelled. Hussein announced on July 12th he is ready to fight.

"New Zealanders should have the issues made plain to them before Saturday's election."

Ends

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