NZ to join British-led peacekeeping force in Afghanistan

Prime Minister Helen Clark has announced that New Zealand will join a multinational peacekeeping force in Afghanistan from early next year.

A contingent of around 25 New Zealand Defence Force personnel is being prepared to join a British force to be stationed with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Kabul. The contingent will initially fly to London to link up with their British counterparts.

"The New Zealand peacekeepers will undergo training during the Christmas break before their scheduled departure for London by commercial aircraft on 30 December," Helen Clark said.

"New Zealand will be one of 16 nations contributing to the multinational force approved by a unanimous resolution of the UN Security Council last week.

"New Zealand's deployment of Defence Force personnel to the peacekeeping force demonstrates our commitment to help rebuild Afghanistan. The United Nations has recognised that the interim government needs support at this time.

"New Zealand's initial commitment is for three months. We will make a further decision on the size and extent of any ongoing commitment early next year.

"The government has already announced the decision to make an RNZAF C130 Hercules available for the World Food Programme's work in Afghanistan. The aircraft is scheduled to begin those duties in late February 2002.

"New Zealand Defence Force peacekeepers will work at the headquarters of the peacekeeping force in Kabul and provide an air load management group at an Afghanistan airport," Helen Clark said.

Meanwhile, the British Secretary of State for Defence, Geoff Hoon, has confirmed the UK's role as leading the ISAF to assist the new Afghan Interim Authority with the provision of security and stability in Kabul.

Mr Hoon announced the UK's role in ISAF in an address to the British House of Commons.

"As the Prime Minister (Tony Blair) has emphasised, the situation in Afghanistan remains fragile," he said.

Hoon said the International Security Assistance Force is a vital part of the international community's efforts to assist the Afghan people in this early and difficult period of the reconstruction of their country.

"A deployment of this kind - involving troops, equipment, and logistical support from several nations - is a complex undertaking.

"We have no illusions about Afghanistan - deploying forces there inevitably involves an element of risk. It is a challenging, difficult, and sometimes dangerous environment. We are fully conscious of this and we agreed to meet the challenge," Hoon said.