NZ backing for strikes on jihadists

Prime Minister John Key (R) and Labour Leader David Cunliffe (L). Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand would back United States airstrikes against Islamic State jihadists in Iraq, Prime Minister John Key and Labour leader David Cunliffe say.

However, Mr Key says he would have to take further advice before offering moral support to US strikes on Islamic State (Isis) militant targets in Syria.

US President Barack Obama has said he will expand air strikes against Isis in Iraq and begin targeting the group in Syria as well.

Yesterday, Mr Key and Mr Cunliffe both said they would back expanded US airstrikes in Iraq.

"The underlying point," the PM said, "is that we have designated [Isis] as a terrorist group and if the US are taking action against that terrorist group then we would for the most part say that is in the interests of making a safer world."

Mr Cunliffe said Labour's view was that any operations should be conducted within international law.

"Our advice is the Government of Iraq has invited the United States to provide air support and on that basis it should be lawful."

However, Mr Key said he hadn't formed a view on airstrikes by the United States against Isis outside Iraq, including Syria.

"I'd get some advice on that."

Mr Key underlined that New Zealand was giving only moral support for the US operations against Isis. The country was unlikely to be asked to supply military support.

"In reality, we don't do anything. The counterfactual is we're not going to say we're opposed to it."