The success of New Zealand’s Iraq mission, and the impact IS was having worldwide meant “we need to ask ourselves if it is really acceptable for New Zealand to not play a role”, he said.
Advertisement
“This is mission creep, ” he said. “The NZDF deployment to Iraq does not make us safer, but puts New Zealand troops at risk and makes New Zealanders unnecessary targets of ISIL”.
Mr Little made the comments after the Government confirmed the New Zealand Defence Force’s two-year deployment to Iraq would be extended by another 18 months to November 2018, a major turnaround given its earlier commitments to end the mission in May 2017.
“Training the Iraqi army is not a good use of our troops’ time and resources”.
When asked about whether he was anxious about losing votes from those in favour of the mission, Little said: “You take a stance on something based on what you know and your conscience and that’s what I’ve done”.
Mr Key says the troops are carrying out an important task training Iraqi forces to fight the Islamic State, and more needs to be done.
Andrew little, leader of the Labour Party, says he has to take a stance based on his knowledge and conscience.
Labour leader Andrew Little, who was briefed ahead of Monday’s announcement, says Mr Key has not been open with the public.
Four Iraqi soldiers have been killed overnight in a suicide bombing outside the Taji training camp in Iraq where New Zealand troops are based. They’ve retaken Ramadi, they’ve retaken Hit, they’ve retaken Tekrit.
Brownlee said those forces were crucial in “securing cities once they have been liberated by Daesh so rebuilding can occur”.
The troops, which now number around 105, would remain in Iraq until November 2018, 18 months longer than previously planned, Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee said in a statement.
Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee said IS remained a threat not only in Iraq but domestically because of its ability to motive radical Islamists.
Advertisement
Mr Key accepts he has changed his position.
