A former top Kiwi diplomat has warned New Zealand’s decision against recognising a Palestinian state may not be well received by allies and trading partners.
Colin Keating spoke to Q+A about the Government’s decision, announced by Foreign Minister Winston Peters yesterday at the UN General Assembly.
Keating, the former Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the United Nations, said countries in the Muslim world in particular would be disappointed with New Zealand’s decision.
“You probably need to start in the Middle East – New Zealand has got a lot of strong trading and political and economic relationships with the Gulf states, and right across the Middle East.”
“I think we will see a sense of disappointment, in fact, even feeling let down, because they’ve been very used to New Zealand being a country that was at the front end of … principled and courageous decisions on the Middle East, and I think that will inevitably have an impact on our relationships,” said Keating.
New Zealand’s decision was notable in that it broke from traditional allies, with Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom this week recognising a Palestinian state.
“In Australia, in Canada and the United Kingdom, I think there’ll be a real sense of disappointment. I think they will have hoped that New Zealand would have – given its past history on this subject – it would have been willing to move forward instead of staying stuck still,” said Keating.
Keating said it was important to remember there will be other countries noticing New Zealand’s decision, saying similar countries have also switched their position on Palestinian state recognition recently.
“Just think of Norway, think of Ireland. These are countries that are our size, they often stand with us internationally, they will be very disappointed.”
“I think New Zealand’s reputation will take a hit as a result of this. I’m not saying it will immediately result in adverse economic or trade implications, but it will have a real impact on our reputation,” said Keating.
New Zealand is in a minority of countries around the world that do not recognise Palestine – a group that includes the US, Israel, Japan, and several Pacific nations.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters reiterated New Zealand’s commitment to a two-state solution, but said now is not the time for recognition, as the war is ongoing.
“With a war raging, Hamas still in place, and no clarity on next steps, we do not think that time is now,” he said in his address to the UN General Assembly.
“We desperately want diplomacy to succeed, and we believe it is those countries with leverage who are most likely to achieve a breakthrough. That would show global leadership,” said Peters.
He also announced a further $10m in international humanitarian agencies to deliver emergency supplies to Gaza.
“Our focus will not shift from where it is needed most, in Gaza, right now,” said Peters.
Israel’s government offered support for New Zealand’s decision, with deputy foreign minister Sharren Haskel tweeting, “thank you Winston Peters, very welcome to see some common sense and moral courage from our friends in New Zealand.”
For the full interview, watch the video above
Q+A with Jack Tame is made with the support of New Zealand On Air
