Prime Minister reaffirms that she ‘accepts the decision' to bomb Syria - but would have preferred going through the UN

April 22, 2018

However, an approach made through the United Nations would’ve been favourable, Ardern said.

Prime Minsiter Jacinda Ardern has reaffirmed her stance on missile strikes in Syria, saying she "accepts the decision made" by the US, Britain and France in response to the alleged chemical weapons attack in Douma.

Ms Ardern sat down with 1NEWS Europe Correspondent Joy Reid and although she accepted the decision, an approach made through the United Nations would've been favoured, she said.

"We accept the decision made by the US, the UK and France but now were calling for a return back to the UN which actually the likes of France and others absolutely agree with."

Ms Ardern said New Zealand has always favoured a multilateral approach.

"But given the veto power that was used at the security council by Russia, which is something we've strongly condemned, there was very little option in terms of standing up and giving a response to the use of chemical weapons," says Ms Ardern. 

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has also been vocal about the strikes, yesterday saying Russia had "abused" its veto power in the UN.

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