New Zealanders deserve to know when our troops are being deployed to Iraq, said the Green party today.
New Zealanders deserve to know when our troops are being deployed to Iraq, said the Green party today.
Reports out of Australia say that New Zealand troops will begin their deployment today. Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott confirmed the deployment of Australian troops and has also disclosed when troops will be operational.
“The New Zealand public have a right to know when our troops are in Iraq,” said Green Party Co-leader Dr Russel Norman.
“It is unacceptable the Australian public are told when their troops go to war and the New Zealand public are not.
“All other governments tell their citizens because of the importance of deployment, but instead of being transparent, the National Government likes to hide behind the guise of security.
“John Key knows deploying New Zealand troops to Iraq is a deeply unpopular move, which is why he has not been up front about the deployment.
"The National Government has repeatedly refused to disclose the exact nature of the mission, whether our troops will definitely not be involved in active combat and details of the legal protection; all details that other governments have disclosed.
“There is no good reason for John Key not to disclose these details.
“The Green Party reiterates its call for John Key and National to be open and honest with the public, especially in light of the dangerous situation we are putting our troops in,” said Dr Norman.
