N.Z. backs S.A. arms embargo

Press, 28 November 1977, Page 9

N.Z. backs S.A. arms embargo

PA Wellington New Zealand will change the law to accommodate the United Nations Security Council's mandatory arms embargo on South Africa. The embargo was imposed on November 4 in an effort to make South Africa change its apartheid policy. It requires members of the United Nations to "cease to supply weapons, ammunition, vehicles, or other military equipment to South Africa and to prohibit the granting of licences to firms in South Africa to manufacture or maintain arms and military equipment.” the Acting Prime Minister (Mr Taiboys) said on Sundav that the main points of the Security Council resolution were already covered in New Zealand law. “In 1971, New Zealand in response to a non-bind-ing recommendation of the Security Council prohibited the sale of arms and

ammunition to South Africa, as well as banning I the export, of aircraft, ve- i hides, and equipment j which could be used by i military or paramilitary j forces,” Mr Taiboys said. “I am satisfied that the | embargo has been I successful. There has not, j to my knowledge, been | any instance where a. New > Zealand firm has supplied I military goods to South j Africa.” In view of the fact that ■ the important elements of the resolution were al- j ready covered in New i Zealand law, Mr Tai- ! boys said, the imple- i mentation of the new >' binding security council ■ resolution would not be a I major step. “The latest resolution is, i however, wider in some I respects than the recoin- | mendation made in 1971 ; and accordingly some ! adjustments in our law . will be required. Prepara- ; tions for these have s begun,” he said.