Secret Deployment to Iraq

Press release: Peace Action Wellington

5 March, 2004



'The secret deployment of a second contingent of troops to Iraq is clear 

evidence that Helen Clark does not want any questioning of her role in 

supporting the US army of occupation. The last time the troops left, in 

September, there was significant public opposition and protestors travelled 

to Ohakea to voice their objection. This time there was no advance public 

announcement of the deployment' said Peace Action Wellington member Valerie 

Morse.



'Clark and her cabinet colleagues are cowards. There is no justification 

for providing security and support to continue an illegal occupation. They 

call it reconstruction, but it is really all about getting in good with the 

Yanks for a free trade deal. Meanwhile our own NZDF is being exposed to 

depleted uranium.'



'Helen Clark has also refused to participate in a public debate moderated 

by Ross Wilson, president of the NZ Council of Trade Unions about the 

deployment of troops to both Iraq and Afghanistan.'



'It is ridiculous to provide engineers to a country with 70% unemployment. 

The Iraqis don't need engineers, they need material and money to reconstruct 

their own country. New Zealanders do not want to take jobs away from Iraqis 

or provide assistance to the occupation force.'



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

for Bush's wars. 



ENDS

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