Foreign Minister Murray McCully has used his speech to the United Nations General Assembly to attack the UN Security Council for its failure to act in Iraq and Syria.
It comes as the pressure builds for New Zealand to join the United States fighting in Iraq, a move the Government is now considering.
With more bloodshed in Iraq and Syria, Mr McCully's used his speech to the United Nations to issue a warning.
"Now it is time for action," he said.
It follows the Prime Minister's U-turn yesterday on troops in Iraq, admitting the SAS could be deployed to fight IS Forces there. 3 News understands they're already on standby.
"We need to find a way to contain the madness that is ISIL," said Mr McCully.
Twelve SAS troops are in "pre-deployment mode", waiting for the Government go-ahead, ready to move into a training role in Iraq, which could mean fighting alongside Iraqi forces. They would fight under Australian command or with Australian Special Forces already there.
It would mean going in without a mandate from the UN Security Council, which Mr McCully says is failing.
"Paralysis has prevailed in the Security Council," he said, adding the Security Council had proven itself "largely impotent".
It is unlikely New Zealand troops would extend into Syria, but Mr McCully says the council has let it down too, making things worse in Iraq.
"Syria has been a weeping sore for over three years," said Mr McCully.
John Key ruled out sending troops into Iraq in June. US President Barack Obama also said he didn't want "boots on the ground". But the situation has changed.
The pressure is on from the US to do something in Iraq. But at the same time the world is watching.
Mr McCully's plea comes at the height of New Zealand's campaign for a seat on the Security Council, a decision to be made in just 16 days.
3 News
source: newshub archive
