NZ to follow UN lead on military action against Iraq says Goff

By AUDREY YOUNG

New Zealand would require a United Nations mandate and "evidence of a clear and imminent threat to the world of Iraq's use of weapons of mass destruction" before supporting military action, says Foreign Minister Phil Goff.

New Zealand's opposition to a strike against Iraq will be on the agenda when he meets United States Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage in Washington next week.

Mr Goff told Parliament yesterday: "At the moment, no clear and imminent threat has been shown.

"At the moment, there is no UN mandate or mandate under international law to take that action.

"Where there is a United Nations mandate and where there is clear and imminent danger to world peace, New Zealand has never hesitated to make a stand and a contribution."

That was why New Zealand was currently engaged in Afghanistan with Australia - the only two non-European countries involved in the US-led counter-terrorism campaign.

Debate was taking place within the Governments of United States and Britain about a possible attack on Iraq.

"I find myself aligned with Jack Straw, the secretary of foreign affairs in Britain, and [US Secretary of State] Colin Powell, both of whom have put emphasis as a first step on getting the United Nations weapons inspectors back into Iraq before one even thinks about a military strike."

Mr Goff said New Zealand shared the views of senior voices in the Republican Party such as General Brent Skocroft, former national security adviser to President Bush senior.

He had said there was no tie between Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and the September 11 terrorist attack on New York and Washington.

"He says an attack on Iraq would seriously jeopardise the global counter-terrorist campaign. He says an attack would have huge consequences on the global economy.

"He said that there is a virtual consensus in the world against an attack on Iraq."

But National MP Wayne Mapp questioned why the Government appeared to be closing the door to military involvement "without at least first appraising itself of the evidence they clearly have about Saddam Hussein's possession of weapons of mass destruction."

Mr Goff said no evidence had been made available.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said his party's position would be based on evidence and in the interests of humanity, not considerations such as trade.

"Any decisions on New Zealand's participation should be based on sound information and made by Parliament and not taken by a minority Government."

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