The decision not to recognise a Palestinian state puts New Zealand out of step with the likes of Canada, the UK and Australia.

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Colin Keating is New Zealand's former permanent representative to the UN and was outspoken on its Security Council as the Rwanda genocide unfolded. He gives his assessment about what New Zealand's position could mean for its standing internationally. Keating says New Zealand could have made a difference in the longer term had it decided to recognise a Palestinian state.

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Meanwhile, the Government argues the time is not right as fighting continues in the Middle East. “With a war raging, Hamas still in place, and no clarity on next steps, we do not think that time is now,” Foreign Minister Winston Peters said in his address to the UN General Assembly.

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