Another UN attack: means NO to NZ involvement in Iraq

Press release: Peace Action Wellington

23 September, 2003



'The attack on the United Nations in Iraq yesterday sends a clear

warning signal to all nations there that they are viewed as part of the

army of occupation. The Labour Government is insisting on sending NZ

engineers to serve with a British unit in Basra, Iraq. This clearly says

that New Zealand thinks that the invasion and continued occupation of

Iraq is acceptable.' said Peace Action Wellington member Valerie Morse



'The New Zealand troops due to be deployed on Friday, September 26, are

not acting as part of a United Nations force. We need to ask our

government why they are helping to support an illegal and unjust

occupation.'



'While the idea of assisting in the reconstruction of Iraq seems like a

good one, we must ask, who are they actually going to be helping - the

British and Americans or the Iraqis? We have not been invited by the

Iraqi people. If our government is truly concerned about the welfare of

the Iraqi people, then they would be offering direct medical aid, not

helping an occupying army.'



'The Labour Government is dragging New Zealand into a dangerous

situation. Our first troop commitment to Vietnam was also engineers. We

cannot underestimate the impact that this deployment will have, both in

supporting an illegal occupation and also on the good reputation that

New Zealand now enjoys.'



Peace Action Wellington is calling for an immediate end to support for

US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. A public demonstration against the

deployment will be happening on Thursday, 25th September at 12 noon

outside the NZDF Headquarters on Stout Street.



For more information, please contact Valerie Morse, 021-147-3517 or

valerie.morse@paradise.net.nz

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