In a government response to PSNA, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has sidestepped the genocidal elephant in the room with his empty claim New Zealand does not export arms to Israel.
In our original letter to the Prime Minister (see below) we pointed to the recent United Nations Human Rights Council resolution calling for a halt to all arms sales to Israel.
We sought a specific assurance that arms sales to the US would also be suspended because we pointed out that Auckland-based company Rakon makes crystal oscillators for smart bombs which are assembled in the US and will inevitably find their way to the Israeli Defence Force and then to the killing fields of Gaza.
Winston Peters has sidestepped the issue.
It is clear export of Rakon products to the US will continue to be approved by the government despite the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution.
This is not acceptable.
New Zealanders have made plain they are appalled and revolted at Israel/US action in Gaza.
New Zealand arms exports to the US must be stopped. Israel/US values do not align with New Zealand values.
PSNA has put in an OIA to gain further information on this from the government.
PSNA original letter to Prime Minister Luxon:
Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa
8 April 2024
Christopher Luxon
Prime Minister
Parliament Buildings
Wellington
Christopher.luxon@parliament.govt.nz
Kia ora Mr Luxon,
We are seeking an assurance from you that New Zealand military export orders to the US and Israel have been halted following Friday’s United Nations Human Rights Council resolution calling for a halt to all arms sales to Israel.
The United Nations Human Rights Council has adopted a resolution calling for Israel to be held accountable for possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Gaza Strip, and demanding a halt to all arms sales to the country.
Friday’s vote marked the first time that the UN’s top rights body has taken a position on the nearly six-month war, highlighting warnings of “genocide” in the conflict that has killed more than 33,000 people.
New Zealand has significant exports of military equipment to the US, in particular via Auckland firm Rakon which provides crystal oscillators to the US military which incorporates them into weapons which are provided to Israel. The Rakon website indicates clearly its products are used for “defence purposes”. Previously it has been widely reported Rakon products are purchased by US defence contractor Rockwell for incorporation into guided missiles and guided artillery shells.
All exports orders from Rakon to the US and/or Israel must be stopped immediately.
The wanton killing of over 33,000 Palestinians – mostly women and children – by the Israeli Defence Force has been widely described as a likely genocide by the International Court of Justice and human rights groups around the world.
We look forward to a swift and clear response from you today.
Ngā mihi.
Nā,
John Minto
National Chair
Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa
