5 September 2002

New Zealand Must Remember Its Allies

The New Zealand Government should remind itself that Britain, Australia and the United States are our most long standing allies before making any final decision about New Zealand's approach to Iraq, says Nationals Foreign Affairs spokesperson Dr Wayne Mapp.

"If our allies believe and can demonstrate that Iraq, a proven aggressive nation under Hussein's rule is a serious threat then we must keep the door open to talk to them.

" Quite clearly New Zealand will always make up its own mind on these matters though in doing so our fundamental relationships must be taken into account.

" Iraq is uniquely dangerous. Saddam Hussein has attacked his neighbours has used chemical weapons to kill innocent people and caused two major wars in the Gulf .The world can't afford for Hussein to have weapons of mass destruction.

" He is already in breach of numerous United Nations resolutions and at the least should be admitting the weapon inspectors to Iraq without pre conditions or negotiation.

"The Government appears to have ruled out giving any support at all, we haven't and it is important that we don't close the door," says Dr Mapp.

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