Phil Goff Labour Leader

18 December, 2010 Media Statement

Comments by Bush Administration official wrong

Under Labour, New Zealand made its own judgments on foreign policy as a proudly independent sovereign country, Labour leader Phil Goff said today.

“I don’t accept criticism of New Zealand not joining the war in Iraq.

“That was our decision to make and history proved it to be the right decision.

“John Key made the wrong call on that issue.

“Our anti-nuclear weapons stance was driven by principle and was also right.

“I am pleased the Obama Administration has moved closer to our position.

“New Zealand under Labour never sought to curb the influence of the US or Australia in the Pacific.

“We neither wanted to nor had the means to do that.

“To the contrary, we encouraged the US to re-engage in the Pacific when it appeared to be disengaging.

“We did work constructively with France, especially in the South Pacific.

“We strengthened our trading position with China, which has hugely helped New Zealand emerge from the global recession.

“As for our defence force, we invested $3 billion in increasing its size and capability and in modernising it.

“Far from not being able to maintain consecutive rotations, we sent peacekeeping forces simultaneously to East Timor, Afghanistan and the Solomon Islands practically consecutively for the whole decade.

“Labour and New Zealand were proud of our record in international affairs and Labour stands by it,” Phil Goff said.

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