Politics

NZ Govt biding time on Syria

12:18 pm on 28 August 2013

The New Zealand Government says it will bide its time and monitor how other countries respond to the Syrian crisis before it decides what action, if any, it might take.

The Security Council is deadlocked on the crisis, but international pressure is building for countries to engage in military intervention regardless.

The Government says, at this time, the right response is to work within the UN mandate.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says the United States has not contacted New Zealand in regards to any action it might take.

The Security Council is deadlocked on the crisis, but international pressure is building for countries to intervene.

Mr McCully says it is clear international patience with the Security Council's inaction over Syria is wearing thin.

Listen to more from Mr McCully

The Green Party says the Government should completely rule out the possibility of New Zealand engaging in a military intervention in Syria without sanction by the United Nations.

Labour says New Zealand should wait to hear from the United Nations before deciding exactly what action it should take.

Policy analyst Paul Buchanan told Morning Report that New Zealand could contribute to nation building if the Asad regime is toppled.

He says New Zealand troops would not be needed in a combat role.

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