Don't deal with Iraqi terrorists, say New Zealanders

By ELIZABETH BINNING

A majority of New Zealanders agree with the Government's policy of not negotiating with terrorists - even if a New Zealander is taken hostage in Iraq.

Prime Minister Helen Clark has made it clear following several high-profile killings that New Zealand will not bow to terrorist threats.

She has urged Kiwis to stay away from Iraq, saying there is little the Government could do besides pleading for mercy if someone went there despite the warnings and got into trouble.

More than half of those asked in a Herald-DigiPoll survey supported her stance.

When asked: "If one of our citizens was taken as a hostage in Iraq, do you think the New Zealand Government should negotiate with terrorists?"

A total of 56.8 per cent said no; 35.9 per cent said yes.

Since April, 150 foreigners have reportedly been kidnapped in Iraq. About 30 have been killed after their Governments refused to negotiate with terrorists.

Britain is the latest country to come under pressure to negotiate, as the life of Kenneth Bigley hangs in the balance.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade believes about 50 New Zealanders are in Iraq, most working for security or construction companies.

One Hamilton company that has arranged security jobs for several New Zealanders in Iraq this year says the Government's policy is right.

Red Key Security managing director Terry Phelan said there could not be any negotiation with terrorists. But he hoped the Government would look at other options should the worst happen.

"There must be other ways in trying to locate and free a person."

Aucklander Tim Anderson, whose sister has just returned from Iraq where she served as a soldier, said it was easy to say "don't negotiate" when no New Zealand lives were at risk.

"But, the reality is in a small country like New Zealand, I think the emotional repercussions would be felt very widely if someone was taken hostage and we were forced to make a decision on whether to negotiate."

Mr Anderson believes the poll results would change dramatically if a New Zealander were taken hostage in Iraq.

"If it was a loved one I would want anyone and everyone to do anything possible to get them out of the situation. That's the bottom line."

Herald Feature: Iraq