Church urges end to Pol Pot

Press, 26 November 1979, Page 14

Church urges end to Pol Pot

PA Wellington New Zealand should withdraw its recognition of the Kampuchean Pol Pot regime because largescale genocide was morally indefensible. This suggestion has been made in a letter to the Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) by the international relations committee of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. The convener of the committee (the Rev. Dr J. Veitch) said that New Zealand in its policy of continuing to recognise Pol Pot because of solidarity with A.S.E.A.N.. countries overlooked New Zealand’s very good record in human rights issues. “We cannot recognise Pol Pot and protest against that Government’s policies when Pol Pot is no longer in control of the country. “Is there now' a case for New Zealand to withdraw its recognition of Pol Pot and to take up a neutral stance on the political situation?” Dr Veitch also said that Western countries _ were making a mistake in attempting to isolate Vietnam.

“It seems very likely that Vietnam is not going to give up its interest in Kampuchea, at least until the return to power of Pol Pot is impossible and the State can begin to stand on its own feet.” A better policy would be to enter into dialogue with Vietnam and acknowledge that country’s interest in Kampuchea and to work for the re-emergence of Kampuchea as a quasiindependent State. This was a viable political possibility offering a future to the people of Kampuchea and some degree of stability for the region. “Some re-thinking of New Zealand’s political attitude to Indo-China is imperative in view of the inherently dangerous and explosive situation which exists now in that region.” Dr Veitch asked Mr Muldoon if New Zealand was likely to change its stance soon and work for a new situation in IndoChina in spite of SinoSoviet rivalry. The International Relations Committee praised the doubling of Government emergency aid to Kampuchea and the generous response to the Red Cross appeals.