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PM's Presser Audio: SAS In Afghanistan, SNAFU In Egypt
PM's Presser Audio: SAS In Afghanistan, SNAFU In Egypt
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The Prime Minister today announced the decision SAS to extend the NZSAS deployment in Kabul for a further 12 months with a reduced force of approximately 35. He said he been assured that "any Rugby World Cup commitments will not be compromised" by keeping some troops in Afghanistan. Decisions on other troops currently in Afghanistan will be made at a later date.
Mr Key also discussed the current options for allowing New Zealanders to leave Egypt in the face of the current unrest, and the Government's approach to this. He said that any change in that country was "a matter for the people of Egypt" but noted the scale of the protests planned overnight. He called for any transition to be smooth. On the current regime, he said "in terms of providing stability and a way forward with Israel" President Mubarak has been a positive influence in the region, but described the now-complete shutdown of the Egyptian Internet as "probably not" an appropriate level of response to the protests.
Also discussed were the Savings Working Group's report (the Prime Minister ruling out any further GST changes) and New Zealand's debt position, Early Childhood Education funding, and ongoing negotiations on the Government's fibre plans.
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