Labour attacked over UN stand

By JOHN ARMSTRONG political editor

The Labour-led Government has provoked outrage from National and Act for using the platform of the United Nations to push for an early end to hostilities in Iraq and failing to offer any support for the so-called "coalition of the willing".

The two Opposition parties, which back the United States-led invasion, strongly criticised the statement delivered by New Zealand at yesterday's open session of the Security Council for not drawing a distinction between the actions of New Zealand's traditional allies and the regime of Saddam Hussein.

In Parliament, Act deputy leader Ken Shirley questioned whether the Government's preference was for coalition forces to "down tools" and withdraw, or to finish the job and oust Saddam Hussein, given it wanted an end to hostilities as quickly as possible.

"Which of those two is the preference of the New Zealand Government?"

Foreign Minister Phil Goff refused to be drawn, saying only that there was no question of the coalition forces withdrawing "at this time" and that New Zealand had consistently condemned the Iraqi leader.

He added that there was nothing in New Zealand's statement to the Security Council which the US, Australia or Britain would find offensive. National leader Bill English said he was appalled by the Government's message to New Zealand's closest friends at the very time they needed this country's support.

"Helen Clark's Government can't tell the difference between our friends and our enemies," he said.

New Zealand's statement said:

"Our common objective must be to end hostilities as quickly as possible, so that the risks to the Iraqi people are minimised and so that their humanitarian needs can be met."

New Zealand also wanted to see the UN "fully engaged" in the post-war reconstruction of Iraq.

Mr Goff noted Britain and Australia believed it was critical that the UN played a "crucial role" in post-conflict Iraq.

Herald Feature: Iraq