Chris Carter

Labour backs the Government’s bid for New Zealand to have a seat on the United Nations Security Council, says the party’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Chris Carter said

“While in Government, Labour announced plans for New Zealand to seek one of the 10 non-permanent seats on the 15-member Security Council for 2015/2016. The Opposition therefore strongly endorses John Key’s confirmation that National have taken up our commitment.”

“In putting our case for a seat on the Council, New Zealand can point to a tradition of pursuing an independent foreign policy based upon a strong commitment to human rights, the rule of law, collective responses to global issues, and of being a vocal advocate for nuclear disarmament and world peace.”

“New Zealand has previously served with distinction on the UN Security Council -  in 1954, 1965 and most recently in 1993,” Chris Carter said.

“The principled stand we have taken on the Iraq war, on preventing nuclear proliferation, and the very active role played by politicians such as Marian Hobbs in supporting the Landmine Ban Convention will stand New Zealand in good stead in building an international coalition of support for our candidacy,” Chris Carter said.

“While it is hard to predict which specific international issues will be the focus of immediate attention in 2015, it is likely that the impacts of global climate change, the continuing and complex crisis in Israel/Palestine, global poverty, as well as weapons proliferation will continue to be important international issues.  On all of these complex problems New Zealand can offer the perspective of a small but respected Pacific state.

“Labour will strongly support New Zealand’s candidacy, and will back the National-led Government in promoting our country for this important bid for a UN Security Council seat,” Chris Carter said.