The Green Party says the United States should keep out of the domestic debate over the purchase of 28 F-16 fighters.

“The American ambassador, Josiah Beeman, should butt out of New Zealand’s domestic debate over F-16s,” said Green Party Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Keith Locke.

“It’s quite clear that most New Zealanders think buying F-16s is a waste of money. We back Helen Clark’s efforts to try to cancel the contract. We know that the Alliance and New Zealand First do too.

“Hasn’t Mr Beeman realised that interfering in the debate will only get Kiwis' backs up? It’s not going to be any more successful than America’s efforts to reverse our nuclear-free policy.

“The Greens pledge to work closely with Labour and the Alliance to develop a more independent New Zealand foreign policy.

“We no longer need to stay in the shadow of America or Australia,” said Mr Locke.

For further information contact Keith Locke: 09-630-0789 Home 09-377-1367 Work

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