What are we doing in Iraq?

Press release: Peace Action Wellington

23 January, 2004



An action is set for Friday, January 23, at 12:30 in front of the Old Bank

Arcade on Lambton Quay.



Members of Peace Action Wellington will demonstrate what the New Zealand

contribution to the occupation of Iraq actually means. A colourful action

will highlight the role of the more than 60 NZDF personnel that are serving

with the British in Basra.



'Despite clever propaganda to the contrary, New Zealand soldiers are part

of  the army of occupation in Iraq.' said Peace Action Wellington member

Valerie Morse.



'Helen Clark will have blood on her hands when New Zealanders are killed

while serving in Iraq. Already, two members of the NZDF have been injured in

Iraq. The longer they are there, more likely this becomes.'



'The New Zealand soldiers have the authority to shoot to kill to protect not

only the occupying army, but their property and even third-party

contractors. The Labour Government is interested in maintaining a cozy

relationship with Washington and London with deadly repercussions for both

NZ troops and the Iraqi people. It is disgraceful.'



'The Labour Government is so desperate to get in on the spoils of war,

particularly large reconstruction contracts, that it is willing risk

people's  lives.'



'We must ask: whose interest are we serving when we send soldiers around the

world - New Zealand's or Washington's?'



Peace Action Wellington demands an immediate end to all New Zealand support

for Bush's wars.



ENDS

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