Syria not NZ's fight, Key told

KEEP YOUR NOSE OUT: Paul Wellington, of Masterton, and the strong advice he has for John Key on New Zealand foreign policy.PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

Vietnam War veteran Paul Wellington has a message for John Key - stay out of Syria.

Within minutes of hearing Prime Minister Mr Key on the radio talking about the possibility of supporting US action against Syria in response to chemical bombings, Mr Wellington had painted a sign on his Villa St fence with the words: "John Key Stay Out Of Syria".

The 67-year-old war veteran told the Times-Age he was "incensed" New Zealand could become involved in a possible conflict.

He doesn't say New Zealand should sever ties with the US, just not get involved in the Syrian issue.

"It's all about oil," he said. "It's about big corporations and money from oil."

While it was clear chemicals had been used, big corporations were manipulating the issue to get control of oil in region, Mr Wellington said.

"I'm not against America ... money dictates today. Money has become evil today."

Mr Key needed to leave the decision with the United Nations and not step in, he said.

"We should stay out of it ... some people want something to happen or to declare war against Syria but I don't think we should. When I heard John Key talking about it on the radio, I was absolutely incensed ... within 15 minutes of hearing him I had that sign up on my fence."

He doesn't shy away from war - in fact he is proud to have fought for his country.

But even Vietnam was a fight New Zealand shouldn't have taken part in, Mr Wellington said.

Vietnam was fought with chemical warfare - Agent Orange.

"It was an adventure as a young man and I'm proud I was a soldier but really annoyed at my ignorance.

"We were all ignorant. Ask anyone who was there ... it's a double-edged sword, really ... it's all about the movers and shakers - big corporations. We need to think for ourselves," he said.

Late last month, Mr Key said he wouldn't rule out the possibility of New Zealand offering military support to any US or British response to chemical attacks carried out by President Basher Al-Assad's regime.

Mr Key said at the time that a UN-sanctioned response was desirable but acknowledged that would be unlikely, considering the Security Council position.

"Our preference is the United Nations, but let's see how things progress," Mr Key said then.