New Zealand's ambassador to the United States, Mike Moore, is facing calls for his sacking after hosting an event sponsored by a tobacco giant.
Mana Party leader Hone Harawira yesterday hit out at Mr Moore, a former prime minister, for his decision to front the Governors and Ambassadors World Trade Reception on February 24.
Multibillion-dollar tobacco company Philip Morris was one of the event's key sponsors, along with Chevron, PhRMA and Target.
Having Mr Moore host the event undermined world-leading legislation aimed at making New Zealand smoke free by 2025, Mr Harawira said.
He called for Mr Moore to be fired from his post.
"Moore's attendance at this party is a slap in the face for all those who have worked hard to stop the tobacco companies killing thousands of New Zealanders every year, and an insult to those families who have lost loved ones to the country's most addictive drug."
About 5000 New Zealanders die each year as a result of smoking, government statistics show.
Mr Harawira said Prime Minister John Key should order foreign diplomats to cease any involvement with tobacco companies.
Australian embassy staff reportedly withdrew from the reception just hours before it started in protest at Philip Morris' involvement.
Комментариев нет:
Отправить комментарий