Syria Crisis: New Zealand PM John Key Considering Military Strike Action Even Without UN Support

(Source: Youtube/UNHCR)

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said he will consider supporting a military strike against Syria as British Prime Minister David Cameron reached out to rally support for the proposed action.

United Nations chief Ban Ki-Moon briefed Mr Key on the Syrian crisis and the work of UN inspectors to gather proof concerning allegations that the Assad regime used chemical weapons to attack its own people.

Mr Key said his talk with the UN chief only reiterated the gravity and seriousness of the situation. He said Syria's alleged chemical weapons attack was abhorrent and a disgrace. The attack left a thousand people dead while hundreds sustained injuries.

The five permanent members of the UN Security Council have not reached an agreement on the British prime minister's proposal to vote for a military strike against Syria.

However, if the British proposal will be up for voting, it will be more likely be vetoed by China and Russia.

As New Zealand's leader, John Key has expressed his support for the proposed military strike against Syria. He said it was the right thing to do and agrees with Mr Cameron. Mr Key said those who supported a military offensive were not going to hold their breaths regarding the unanimous support of the UN.

While there is a possibility that the US and UK would seek action without a UN order, New Zealand has not received any request to participate in a military intervention. New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said there was still no word about the country's role but he would prefer to see how things will develop in the United Nations.

Although many have criticised the British prime minister for acting too rashly, Mr Key believes Mr Cameron was only deeply concerned about the events in the Syrian crisis. It is not only about what has happened in Syria, but Mr Key said everyone was worried about what will happen next, especially when the world does nothing about the incident.

Meanwhile, the Labour party's foreign affairs spokesperson Phil Goff said the prime minister needs to be transparent with New Zealanders on his plans about the issue.

However, John Key said the past experience in Libya and Iraq in which a military strike took place without UN support turned out to be risky.