The Green Party is calling on the Government to condemn the United States for its “illegal bombing of Iran” and inflaming tensions across the Middle East.
“The actions of the United States pose a fundamental threat to world peace,” party co-leader Marama Davidson says.
“The rest of the world, including New Zealand, must take a stand and make it clear this dangerous escalation is unacceptable.
“We are calling on the New Zealand Government to condemn the United States for its attacks on Iran.
“This attack is a blatant breach of international law and yet another unjustified assault on the Middle East from the US.
“We saw this with the US war on Iraq, and we are seeing it again with this recent attack on Iran. We are at risk of a violent history repeating itself. “
Davidson says Prime Minister Christopher Luxon needs to condemn the 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, she says.
“New Zealand has a long and proud history of standing up for human rights on the world stage.
“When we stand strong and with other countries in calling for peace, we can make a difference.
“We cannot afford to be a bystander to the atrocities unfolding in front of our eyes.
“It’s time for our Government to step up. It has failed to sanction Israel for its illegal and violent occupation of Palestine, and we risk burning all international credibility by failing to speak out against what the United States has just done.
“The Greens are calling on the Government to stand for human rights and international law and condemn the United States for its illegal attack on Iran.
“Aotearoa must be a force for peace, not a bystander to war.”
