10 Nov 2013

NZ seat on Security Council wanted by Labour

3:09 pm on 10 November 2013

Labour says it is important New Zealand wins a seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2015-2016 term.

New Zealand's bid for the seat began when Labour was last in Government, and foreign affairs spokesperson David Shearer has backed the current Government's campaign.

He says it is not just a prestigious position, but also a very influential one.

Mr Shearer was an aid worker in Rwanda the last time New Zealand was on the council in 1993 and 1994.

He says at that time, New Zealand was widely respected for the strong stance it took on the Security Council calling for action to be taken to stop the genocide in Rwanda.