Goff warns of Iraq assault backlash

Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff has told the United Nations that any action taken against Iraq should ensure it does not spawn more terrorism.

Mr Goff's statement to the UN General Assembly in New York yesterday comes as the United States pushes for support to attack Iraq, which it believes has weapons of mass destruction.

New Zealand and many other countries believe that any action should be mandated by the UN.

The response of the UN and the US to the terrorist attacks of September 11 had been a "model for international unity of purpose and multilateral action", Mr Goff said.

"It was a lesson which should not be forgotten as this organisation tackles other problems confronting humanity."

Iraq was a threat to world peace, "but we must look for solutions which resolve and do not exacerbate that threat".

Iraq's non-compliance with UN resolutions - such as allowing the entry of weapons inspectors - was a challenge to the UN which it should meet.

"The response chosen by the [UN] Security Council must take into account the need not to impose further costs on Iraqi people innocent of any wrongdoing."

Mr Goff said attacks against terrorists must be accompanied by tackling the causes.

"Injustice, lack of opportunity, desperation and the failure of legitimate channels to redress grievances, all gave rise to resort to terrorist actions."

- NZPA

Further reading
Feature: War with Iraq

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