Kiwi views on Israel may affect election outcome
Monday 4 September 2017
Kiwi views on Israel may affect election outcome
The Israel Institute of New Zealand
has today released a voters’ guide for the election, based
on recent analysis of MPs’ positions on the country’s
relations with Israel.
New Zealand’s backing of UN
Resolution 2334 in late December last year triggered an
avalanche of letters and emails to MPs from all parties by
New Zealanders worried about the implications of this
resolution on the safety and security of
Israel.
According to Institute Co-Director David
Cumin, the Government supported the resolution despite
concerns about its consequences from the United States,
Russia, and other countries.
“New Zealand backed the
position of Malaysia, Senegal and Venezuela over traditional
allies and the resulting damage to NZ-Israel relations was
severe”.
Dr Cumin says that action may now have an
effect on what looks to be a tightening election
race.
“A recent survey conducted by Curia Research, on behalf of the Institute, showed strong support for Israel amongst kiwis and demonstrated that many New Zealanders are uncomfortable with the actions which were taken by the Government".
He says the Voters’ guide evaluates party positions on resolution 2334.
“We asked
Parliamentarians and Parties whether they have specifically
condemned Palestinian terrorism or incitement to terror by
the Palestinian Authority; whether the Party supports a
negotiated, rather than imposed, solution to the conflict;
and if there is support for increased ties between New
Zealand and Israel”.
He says summary data and quotes
are presented for political party leaders, members of the
New Zealand Israel Parliamentary Friendship group, and
notable MPs.
“The voters’ guide will be a useful
tool as the country goes to the polls. Voters can now see
where individual candidates or parties stand on this
important issue relating to the sort of values New Zealand
projects internationally. Especially at a time of growing
international extremism, I think New Zealanders will be
keener than ever that we support nations like Israel, that
are modern, open, liberal democracies such as our
own.”
For access to the voters’ guide,
click:
https://israelinstitute.nz/voters-guide/
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