14 Aug 2012

Parliament honours fallen soldiers

9:59 pm on 14 August 2012

Parliament has expressed its deep sympathy and condolences to the family, friends and military colleagues of the soldiers killed in Afghanistan earlier this month.

Lance-corporals Rory Malone and Pralli Durrer, both 26, died and six other New Zealanders were injured during the attack in Bamyan province on 4 August.

Acting Prime Minister Bill English has told Parliament that the incident serves as a tragic reminder of the risks that New Zealand's men and women face in the armed services every day in unstable conflict zones.

Defence Force's decision on honours for soldiers

Meanwhile, Mr English says it's up to the Defence Force to decide whether soldiers killed or wounded in action in Afghanistan are awarded the Victoria Cross or other military honours.

One of the wounded soldiers, Major Craig Wilson, says his colleagues risked their own lives to get him and others out of immediate danger and to provide first aid.

Mr English says there were certainly acts of bravery by the soldiers involved, but the immediate focus is on saying farewell and honouring those who died.