Media Statement
9 July 2008
Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae today extended his sympathies through Australian authorities over the death of Australian soldier Signaller Sean Patrick McCarthy.
“The thoughts and sympathies of the New Zealand Defence Force are with the family, friends and colleagues of New Zealand-born Signaller McCarthy in this difficult time,” General Mateparae said.
Signaller McCarthy died on operations in Afghanistan yesterday.
“The ANZAC relationship is a close one, and whilst we do not serve alongside the Australian Forces in Afghanistan, we work with them in many other operations and any death of a fellow soldier is a tragic occurrence,” General Mateparae said.
ENDS
Contact: Bas Bolyn, Defence Public Relations on (04) 496 0285 or (021) 478 574