Merciless killers must be brought to justice

Hon Bill English - National Party Leader

All New Zealanders will feel the tragedy in Bali. This is terrorism on our own doorstep and is a sad reminder of just how much the world has changed since September 11, says National Party Leader Bill English.

“First my sympathy goes to all those families who have lost loved ones in this pointless violence. In particular my thoughts are with a family from my own Southland electorate whose son is one of those still unaccounted for. Their torment is something no parent should have to go through and I know all of New Zealand will share my hope that their son is found safe and well.

“Also I know all New Zealanders will want Australia to know that we stand with them as they go through the grief of having lost so many of their fellow citizens. These are all innocent people killed by merciless murderers.

“New Zealand must support all efforts to ensure those responsible are caught. A message must be sent that such evil acts will not be tolerated. What action Australia takes we must back. They are our closest ally, where they go we must follow.

“While Bali was the target this week we can no longer assume that New Zealand or New Zealanders may not be the target next week. We no longer live in a benign part of the world; the global menace that struck New York last year is now present in our own backyard.

“This morning I have sent letters of support and sympathy to both the Australian Prime Minister and the President of Indonesia. National will also back all Government support initiatives to victims and victim’s families.

“I agree with the comment of President George Bush, that this indeed is a ‘heinous’ act of terrorism. New Zealand is as much as a target as anywhere and we must do all we can to bring the killers in this latest attack to justice,” says Mr English.

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