NZ delays decision on sending troops to Iraq

‘It’s a complicated process.’

A FINAL decision on sending New Zealand troops to Iraq has been delayed until the end of the month, as defence personnel weigh up the risks.

Prime Minister John Key said the fight against Islamic State, or Isis, was not discussed at yesterday’s Cabinet meeting and was not on next week’s agenda.

Key has already signalled New Zealand troops will only be deployed to train the Iraqi army.

They are at risk from roadside bombs, and three army staffers are currently in Iraq looking at locations to fly in and out of safely.

‘‘There is always a risk in those sorts of environments of IED [improvised explosive device] bombs and the more time people spend on the ground outside of a secure facility, the riskier it is,’’ Key said.

‘‘One of the conditions we would be looking at is fly-in and fly-out capability.’’

Foreign Minister Murray McCully may visit Iraq, or officials could come to New Zealand. The Government wants Iraqi support for any training deployment. ‘‘It’s a complicated process. ‘‘Obviously, we want to do the right thing for the people of Iraq.

‘‘Secondly, we want to make sure that they [NZ troops] are welcomed and they can operate under the normal terms that we would expect.

‘‘Thirdly, we have got to make sure it is as safe as it can be.’’

Prime Minister John Key

Key said about 23 of the 60-strong anti-Isis coalition were offering training.

His resolution to join the international effort has not wavered after the recent execution of two Japanese nationals.

Isis executed journalist Kenji Goto, 47, and security consultant Haruna Yukawa, 42, after Japan pledged $200 million in nonmilitary aid to countries contending with Isis.

Key also said New

Zealand would not pay a ransom for Kiwis taken hostage by terrorists.

British foreign secretary Philip Hammond is in Wellington today for talks with McCully, and Isis and countering foreign fighters are on the agenda.

Hammond, a Conservative Party MP, will talk to an all-day National caucus meeting about the British general election, which is to be held in May.

A 3News poll last night reported that 50 per cent of respondents agreed with sending Kiwi troops in a non-combat training role, 45 per cent disagreed and the rest did not know.

In a second question, 73 per cent said committing troops would put New Zealand at greater risk of a terrorist attack.