New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key Smiles After the General Election in Auckland.
New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key smiles after the general election in Auckland November 26, 2011. Reuters/Stringer

New Zealand's concerns about the terror threat posed by ISIS and the need for measures to tackle it domestically and internationally, will sum up Prime Minister John Key's proposed security speech at Wellington on Wednesday. It will be eloquent on the imperatives of New Zealand joining the global fight against ISIS and the legislative measures needed to handle the threat internally, by restraining men who are seeking to join the ISIS and curb the stealth flow of terror funds to ISIS fighters from the country.

This will be the first national security speech of the PM to explain how some New Zealanders are backing ISIS, by signing up its cause or supplying funds.The Prime Minister is also expected to outline New Zealand's contribution to the war in Iraq, during the speech, reports Stuff.Co.Nz. Key's speech will also outline the need for making a new legislation in line with the United Nations Security Council resolution to crack down on the so-called "foreign fighters."

But the Government has already ruled out sending any combat troops, though it is still weighing the prospects of sending the Special Air Service on an advisory role. The Prime Minister told the media that the speech will be part of the effort to address "the changing environment and challenges" posed by ISIS terror that is "dangerous, brutal and ugly."

Muslims' Concern

Meanwhile, Dr Anwar Ghani, the head of Islamic Associations in New Zealand hoped that the country would stop short of sending combat troops to Iraq. "Don't get involved in somebody else's war," he said. Ghani complained that Muslims in New Zealand are becoming the target of abuse and harassment on the back of publicity about ISIS. The same issue was raised by some members of the Muslim community at a meeting with the police in Auckland, recently.

However, this charge has been contradicted by Bilal Morpeth, a Muslim convert living in Indonesia. Bilal said if any Kiwi want to go abroad to fight for Islamic causes, the blame must go to Muslim communities within New Zealand, who are trying to ostracise them.

Labour To Support

Meanwhile, the Opposition Labour party has hinted that it is ready to support the Government's proposed changes in law to crackdown on people wanting to fight for Islamic State. The Prime Minister gave a confidential briefing to Labour's foreign affairs spokesman, David Shearer and defence spokesman, Phil Goff, explaining the security threats and the changes required at the legal side to prosecute people fighting for terror groups, reported TVNZ. Both Shearer and Goff said the measures looked essential to close the loopholes in the existing laws.