Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand has an important role to play in international efforts towards nuclear non-proliferation.
Ardern spoke at the United Nations General Assembly in New York last week, where she condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine and called for a complete ban on all nuclear weapons.
Speaking to the media after her UN address, she said it was important to reiterate New Zealand’s strong opposition to Russia’s war in Ukraine
“New Zealand has long had a reputation for standing firm on issues like nuclear non-proliferation and for me it is really important to restate on behalf of New Zealand that ongoing opposition.
“Some of that conversation has fallen by the wayside over the years, but even this week we’ve seen the threat that has been posed by leaders who have access to nuclear weapons. And I think it’s now more than ever important that New Zealand restates its strong and firm commitment there.”
Ardern said the alternative to removing nuclear weapons is to assume that the world is safer through the idea of mutually assured destruction.
“I don’t think that makes anyone feel safer and I don’t believe anyone is safer through that strategy. That’s not to say it’s simple, but our position has always been that the world will be better off without nuclear weapons.
“For us it’s about a nuclear prohibition and we have encouraged other parties to become at least observers to that work so we can grow the community that supports that treaty and statement.
“Russia’s position demonstrates why the world needs to drive towards consensus and keep working towards eventually the removal of nuclear weapons altogether.”
Ardern also said that she was not enthusiastic about suggestions New Zealand could soon expel its Russian ambassador, saying sanctions were far more meaningful.
Image credit: AFP
