Kiwis for Fascism

New Zealand Votes for Portugal

From NZUSA International Research Officer:

The Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recently decided to restrict Portugal's participation in the UN agency as long as it pursues colonialist policies.

The Assembly adopted a resolution barring Portugal from attending regional navigation meetings and some other ICAO gatherings, although it will still be allowed to attend sessions of the 125 national Assembly.

Supporters of the resolution said it was in compliance with UN decisions condeming Portuguese colonial policies and calling on UN specialised agencies to restrict their contacts with that country.

New Zealand voted against Portugal's exclusion, while Australia moved from its traditional support for Portugal to a position of abstention.

NZUSA Internation Research Officer, Joris de Bres, has written to the Minister of Civil Aviation, Dr Martin Finlay, asking for an explanation of New Zealand's vote and whether support for Portugal at UN meetings is Government policy.

It has meanwhile been announced that a 40 man trade delegation from Portugal will be visiting New Zealand in September to improve trade between the two countries. At its May Council, NZUSA condemned the visit and any contact with Portugal while it pursues its repression of liberation movements in Mozambique, Angola, and Guinea-Bissau.