John Key to meet soldiers' families

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John Key to meet soldiers' families

3News NZ

Corporal Luke Tamatea, Lance Corporal Jacinda Baker and Private Richard Harris who died in an attack on a Provincial Reconstruction Team convoy (AAP)

Corporal Luke Tamatea, Lance Corporal Jacinda Baker and Private Richard Harris who died in an attack on a Provincial Reconstruction Team convoy (AAP)

By 3 News online staff

With two strikes in quick succession against New Zealand soldiers in Afghanistan, the question on everyone's mind is when will our troops withdraw?

Prime Minister says we may get out earlier than planned, but it won't be because of these latest attacks.

Mr Key says he is planning to meet the families of the recently deceased soldiers in person.

“You have to acknowledge their enormous grief, and the grief of the country, and pass to them the feelings of emotion that other New Zealanders come up and say to me all the time,” he told Firstline this morning.

The latest attack saw three Kiwi soldiers die after an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded on the roadside.

“Unfortunately this has been a huge bomb that would have, on the advice I’ve had, torn apart any vehicle that went over it, and we have sophisticated equipment, we have sophisticated techniques in terms of trying to detect these IEDs, but this was a very large explosion that got past us,” Mr Key says.

Mr Key says New Zealand’s involvement in the decade-long war in Afghanistan was mandated by the United Nations.

“This was a UN mandated mission where collectively not just one country, not just the United States, but the United Nations decreed through its security council that action should be collectively taken by a group of international forces of which we’re just part of that.”

3 News

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Comments

21/08/2012 10:05:18 p.m.

Gary wrote:

Gary. I think it is you who needs to grow up! Yes the people of Christchurch need financial support as do thousands of other families around the country but without our servicemen and women representing our great country off shore, we would not have the trade opportunities and relationships we have earned over time to hold up our economy. I see no evidence of "brain washed" soldiers performing overseas, just dedicated New Zealand citizens achieving significant and positive results through helping make the lives of less fortunate families more meaningful and purposeful - not only in Afghanistan. Unfortunately such dedication and commitment comes at a cost and it is the cost of independent nationhood. Don't take it out on the soldiers. Let them do the sniping, they are trained for it. Get yourself into Parliament and influence it there if you believe that strongly about it.

21/08/2012 5:08:03 p.m.

Gary wrote:

Thanks Pete but this is not our war and it is costing NZ millions - For what exactly?? What about the people of Christchurch living in broken homes for 2 years why not use the money and troops to fix that?? I know soldiers are kind of brain washed so they just follow orders and ask no questions? But tax payers pay your salary and deserve justification and a meaningful purpose for NZ not just iching to get into the action and kill a few people so you have some stories to tell in the mess!! Grow Up!!

21/08/2012 2:25:38 p.m.

Pete wrote:

I knew Luke well, he loved what he did and I am incredibly proud to have known him. Withdrawing too soon would impact all of the hard work that has been done over there. He wouldn't want to run away with his tail between his leg, I know I wouldn't, and as kiwis that's not what we do. We're proud of everyone over there. John Key has the toughest decisions to make and will never be able to make everyone happy, but he is a great leader and has the nations best interests at heart. Keep calm andcarry on everyone.