|
New Zealand's ambassador to the United Nations Don Mackay said Thursday that New Zealand regreted the war in Iraq and was concerned by the loss of life on both sides.
In a speech to the UN Security Council, Mackay said, "The New Zealand government deeply regrets the breakdown of the diplomatic process and the hostilities which are now underway."
"While we acknowledge the endeavour to avoid civilian casualties, the loss of life on both sides is of deep concern. It is also essential that the Geneva conventions be adhered to by all parties," he said.
The text of his speech, made public Thursday, was issued by Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff.
Mackay said the international community needed to respond urgently to the United Nations call for humanitarian relief funds,and noted that New Zealand had already made a commitment.
The New Zealand government has promised to contribute 3.3 million NZ dollars (about US$1.8 million) to UN agencies and the Red Cross for emergency humanitarian relief in Iraq and has pledged that it will contribute more.
Mackay said, "Our common objective must be to end hostilities as quickly as possible, so that the risks to the Iraqi people are minimized and so that their humanitarian needs can be met."
"There will be a challenging period of reconstruction in Iraq ahead. It will be in the longer-term interest of us all to see the United Nations fully engaged," he said.
(Xinhua News Agency March 27, 2003)
|
