It has been recently reported that Ms Dominique Prieur, one of the French terrorist convicted for the killing of Fernando Pereira, when they bombed the Rainbow Warrior in 10th July 1985 in Auckland. She had been quoted as saying: 'The affair is over and today, I only seek one thing: the right to be forgotten”.
The arrogance of the women, she assisted in the taking a life, that can't be forgotten nor can the fact that she was part of a team of terrorist travelling on false passports who blew up a ship in peace time in our waters. What about Fernando's wife, daughter, parents, other family members, the crew, ships owners, New Zealanders and the numerous Greenpeace members worldwide. Why would they want to forget this crime?
It is our right to recall the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior, which is now imbedded in our history, and must never be forgotten. In short it was a terrorist act carried out in our country, by the French Military, sanctioned by French President Mitterrand.
We were bullied into releasing these two convicted criminals after only having served a small part of their 10 year prison sentence in NZ. The French Government prevented the two other saboteurs members from been prosecuted. These thugs were rewarded with medals and a promotion after a very short stay on their resort at Atoll Hao, so much for French diplomacy.
Kiwi soldiers have fought and died in the last two wars on French soil, for their freedom. We do not forget them, so why would we want to forget the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior.
Brian Porter, Welcome Bay.