5 September 2005 Media Statement

Nats' foreign policy lacking in credibility

Foreign Minister Phil Goff says National's foreign policy, slipped out without today fanfare, is hypocritical and lacks credibility.

"The document, a mere two and a quarter pages, has no substance. It talks about proliferation of nuclear weapons, but fails even to acknowledge the objective of nuclear disarmament.

"It talks about not changing the nuclear ships policy but then allows a mechanism by way of referendum, to do so. That smacks of hypocrisy.

"It makes no undertaking about not becoming involved with combat forces in the war in Iraq.

"The fact is that National utterly lacks credibility in this area and is desperate not to debate foreign policy, to the extent that its Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Lockwood Smith, doesn't front up.

"Dr Brash does not deny, but claims not to remember, telling American senators that the nuclear-free legislation would be 'gone by lunchtime'

"Dr Smith admits he talked about an American think tank helping with a New Zealand campaign against the legislation, but suggests that somehow he was misunderstood.

"Dr Brash does not deny supporting the military invasion of Iraq but 'cannot at this point conceive' of committing troops there. Why would he not, if requested, given that he thinks the war was a good idea?

"New Zealanders are proud of their country under Labour governments acting on principle and standing up for what they believe in the world.

"Under National's policy, by contrast, New Zealand can only expect to be deputy sheriff to the policies of other countries," Mr Goff said.

ENDS

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