¡¡¡¡WELLINGTON, Feb. 12 (Xinhuanet) -- The New Zealand government doesnot support seeking a second UN resolution authorizing the use of force against Iraq at this time because the diplomatic process hasnot been exhausted, Prime Minister Helen Clark said.

¡¡¡¡Questioned in Parliament Wednesday on the government's policy, Clark said that New Zealand, as a UN member, is obliged to uphold resolutions of the Security Council.

¡¡¡¡"The government does not believe the use of force is justified at this time," she said.

¡¡¡¡"The use of force to uphold UN resolutions is very much a last resort, and that point has not been reached."

¡¡¡¡Clark said the rule of international law depends on members of the United Nations accepting the outcomes of the democratic processes established to make decisions.

¡¡¡¡"It is certainly debatable whether Iraq right now presents a clear and present danger," she said.

¡¡¡¡"It is becoming increasingly clear that the inspectors still believe they can usefully carry on with their work in line with UNresolutions."

¡¡¡¡Clark said that if force to be used against Iraq, New Zealand support for that force would have to be sanctioned by a second Security Council resolution.

¡¡¡¡"However, the government does not support seeking a resolution to use force at this time because the diplomatic process has not been exhausted," she said. Enditem

¡¡¡¡