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Summary New Zealands MP has apologised for praising slain Al Qaeda Chief Osama Bin Laden.
The independent member of New Zealand parliament, Hone Harawira, had praised Osama Bin laden as a freedom fighter who stood up for his people. He had said that positive aspects of bin Ladens life should be acknowledged and urged people not to demonise him.We have heard nothing but negative things about him from the Americans, but he fought for the self-determination of his people and for his beliefs. Indeed, despite what the media has said, his family, his tribe, his people are in mourning. They mourn for the man who fought for the rights, the lands and the freedom of his people. We should not condemn them in death but acknowledge the positive aspects of life, Harawira told a Maori-language television on Monday.New Zealand Prime Minister John Key slammed Harawira’s remarks about Osama as ridiculous.Today, Harawira backed away from his comments saying that they were not meant to express support for Bin Ladens actions.This was a mistake and was not intended. Using terror for political reasons is never acceptable. I apologise for how I expressed mysel, he said in a statement.
