12 Jan 2009

No diplomatic action planned - McCully

6:12 pm on 12 January 2009

The New Zealand Government is not planning to take diplomatic action against Israel over the attacks in Gaza.

Some protesters have criticised the Government's stance on the conflict and suggested actions such as removing a working holiday scheme for young Israelis or cutting ties with the Israeli ambassador, who is based in Canberra.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says there are no such plans at the moment, and instead the focus is on supporting the United Nations and stopping the fighting.

Mr McCully said he still thinks that it is important not to take sides in the conflict.

Maori Party co-leaders Tariana Turia and Pita Sharples say it is frustrating to see world leaders pontificating while innocent people are being slaughtered in Gaza.

They say a diplomatic stand-off will do nothing to foster peace in the region, and would like to see the Government use its goodwill with other countries to try to halt the crisis.

Two public protests are planned in Auckland this week: the first at the ASB Classic to protest at the participation of an Israeli tennis player, and the second on Saturday, along Queen Street to the United States consulate.