NZ ambassador tells UN unilateral attack on Iraq not justified
"New Zealand's belief that a unilateral attack on Iraq is not justified has been reiterated to the United Nations General Assembly in New York this morning (NZ time). New Zealand's ambassador to the United Nations, Don McKay, told the assembly during an open debate that while the Government recognised the UN Security Council must be able to authorise force, it did not believe such action was yet justified.

"The New Zealand Government has a very strong preference for a diplomatic solution to this crisis," Mr McKay said. "We place considerable weight on the inspection and disarmament process. We believe it should run its course. We do not support military action against Iraq without a mandate from the Security Council, and we do not believe the council would be justified in giving that mandate at this time."

NZ ambassador tells UN unilateral attack on Iraq not justified
"New Zealand's belief that a unilateral attack on Iraq is not justified has been reiterated to the United Nations General Assembly in New York this morning (NZ time). New Zealand's ambassador to the United Nations, Don McKay, told the assembly during an open debate that while the Government recognised the UN Security Council must be able to authorise force, it did not believe such action was yet justified.

"The New Zealand Government has a very strong preference for a diplomatic solution to this crisis," Mr McKay said. "We place considerable weight on the inspection and disarmament process. We believe it should run its course. We do not support military action against Iraq without a mandate from the Security Council, and we do not believe the council would be justified in giving that mandate at this time."