CHRISTOPHER LUXON: THE UNITED STATES ATTACK ON IRAN IS AN 'OPPORTUNITY'.

While continuing to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Government has not condemned the United States attack on Iran.  Instead, Prime Minister Christopher claims the attack has opened up the 'opportunity' for dialogue.

 

WHEN ANNOUNCING a further $16 million aid package for Ukraine, the New Zealand Government once again condemned the Russian military invasion.

'New Zealand stands in solidarity with Ukraine. Its war of self-defence is well into its fourth year, and our condemnation of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion remains undiminished,' said Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in a press statement.

But while being unequivocal in his condemnation of Russia, Luxon has been more circumspect about the United States attack on Iran.  Despite it violating international law as enshrined in the UN Charter, Luxon has declined to condemn the United States. He has called instead for further 'diplomacy' between the United States and Iran.

According to Luxon, the US attack has opened up the 'opportunity' for dialogue.

The New Zealand Government stance has been heavily criticised by the Green Party, which says that New Zealand needs to be 'a force for peace, not a bystander to war.'

'Christopher Luxon needs to condemn this escalation from the US and rule out any participation in this conflict, or any of the elements of the AUKUS pact. New Zealand must maintain its independent foreign policy position and keep its distance from countries that are actively fanning the flames of war' said co-leader Marama Davidson.

Davidson said that the Government had failed to sanction Israel for its illegal and violent occupation of Palestine, and that New Zealand ran the risk of burning all its international credibility by failing to speak out against the American attack on Iran.

Te Pati Maori has also attacked the Government's failure to condemn the US attack.

'This Government speaks boldly against the East but cowers before the West. It has no credibility on international law when its outrage is selective, and its silence bought.' said Te Pati Maori co-leader Rawiri Waititi.

While the Green Party and Te Pati Maori have made their positions clear, the same cannot be said of the Labour Party. On June 17 deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni said that Labour supported neither Israel nor Iran. Like the Government, Sepuloni called for further diplomatic talks.

In response to the American attack, the Labour Party's position has barely shifted. It continues to call for talks, although defence spokesperson Peeni Henare says that the government should 'acknowledge' that the US had breached international law. Whatever that means.