Media Release

8 February 2006

Calm Required Over Cartoon Chaos

New Zealand First is concerned that the fallout from the Muslim cartoon controversy could impact adversely on our exporters, and is calling for a calm approach to the crisis.

“This issue is one that nobody could have foreseen, but it has the potential to cause a lot of grief to our already suffering exporters,” said Primary Production spokesperson Doug Woolerton.

“The rights or wrongs of editorial decisions to publish the cartoons will undoubtedly be debated for some time to come, and that is healthy and will hopefully lead to greater understanding and tolerance on both sides of the debate.

“What’s important right now, however, is that companies that export to Muslim nations do not get caught in the crossfire and suffer through no fault of their own.

“Our exporters are to be commended for their cool demeanour in the face of possible trade bans and concern for the safety of their workers overseas, despite, in the case of Fonterra, losing millions of dollars a day through its joint venture with a Danish company.

“I hope that such composure and professionalism characterise all efforts to resolve this issue,” said Mr Woolerton.

ENDS

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