Russian tactic
An interesting aspect of the order by the International Court of Justice (NZ Herald, March 21) is that Vladimir Putin made a tactical mistake in justifying Russia's invasion on the ground of genocide. Because he used this ground, he accidentally accepted the jurisdiction of the ICJ to rule on
the matter.
Under Article 9 of the Convention on Genocide, any dispute over genocide must be ruled on by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Ukraine raised a dispute challenging Russia's ground for the invasion, and the Court has ruled against Russia.
Russia's lawyers made a written submission objecting to jurisdiction and argued that the ground for the invasion was self-defence against an attack by Ukraine, but Putin's frequent speeches earlier this year, claiming Russia needed to protect Russian speakers in Ukraine from genocide, was enough to give the ICJ jurisdiction.
John Reardon, Ōrewa.
Rocket stocks
Hugh Webb (NZ Herald, March 18) is correct when he writes Nato has spent a lot of money on defence systems, more than the rest of the world. But Russia, which does not spend nearly as much as the US on defence, has in recent years overtaken the US in rocket and missile technology.
As a result, Russia has the biggest, strongest fleet of ICBM rockets and it is the only country with an efficient anti-ICBM missile system, the S500, which can intercept incoming US ICBMs.
In comparison, the US hasn't managed to develop a workable anti-ICBM system and is completely defenceless against Russian rockets.
To go to war against Russia is not an option and fortunately, Joe Biden appears to be aware of this.
Unless Ukraine agrees now to demilitarise, Nato will just have to watch as Russia carries on with its policy of cutting off all of the Ukrainian cities from all supplies over the next couple of months, forcing an eventual surrender.
David Mairs, Glendowie.
Begrudging payments
The same old wealthy (business) people are whingeing about Government-mandated minimum wage increases (which is less than the living wage), welfare, and taxation. Another whinge has been about the increase in annual paid sick leave from five days to 10 days.
People on minimum wages are supermarket workers, shop assistants, cleaners, rubbish collectors, fruit pickers and others. Many are not eligible to receive the Community Services Card, so have to pay the full amount in doctors' fees as well as try to cope with the cost of living increases.
Where would we be without these essential workers, even when there is no pandemic? Cleaners and rubbish collectors, in particular, do very necessary jobs which most of us would rather not do. We should be grateful that there are people who are able to do this work.
It behoves employers and others not to begrudge being asked to pay any minimum wage increases to these essential workers in our community.
Small businesses could receive a subsidy to help offset any minimum wage increase.
Rosemary Simmons, Papatoetoe.
Unseat the outlaws
Jarrod Gilbert's attitude (NZ Herald, March 21) matches that of our current Government and is the reason that these outlaws can get away with so much.
We need laws as have been introduced in Western Australia, and the police to enforce them, if we are to deal with this growing problem. These criminals travel on expensive motorcycles and in cars that are dripping with expensive accessories and probably declare no income and pay no tax.
Any gang member should have his vehicle registration number given to the IRD for checks into the legitimacy of their ownership and the source of the funding.
As a motorcyclist I often see these people riding motorcycles and driving cars worth upwards of $50,000 but appear not to have any gainful employment (so likely funded by the proceeds of crime).
We shouldn't allow the likes of Gilbert and the Government to excuse their behaviours when other law-abiding citizens follow the rules.
Mike Vinsen, Titirangi.
Welcome mat
On one hand, our Covid Omicron numbers are soaring, hospitals and businesses are stressed. We are advised to be cautious, especially those who are immune-compromised.
On the other hand, the tourism sector is screaming with excitement because visitors will shortly be permitted to do that - visit.
We are told that we are the last country to open borders.
Weren't we one of the last countries to get this ghastly virus?
Will not tourists merely add to problems?
A. N. Christie, Rotorua.
