-
Frank Bainimarama - Source: ONE News -
Related
Australia has reaffirmed its desire to remove Fiji from a regional forum over the contempt its miliary rulers have shown for democracy.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and his Papua New Guinea counterpart Michael Somare presented a united front on Fiji following talks in Canberra.
"Australia's position is hardline," Rudd told reporters at a joint press conference.
"You cannot sustain within a family of democracies within the Pacific Islands Forum, or a family of democracies within the Commonwealth, a government like that of Fiji ..."
Rudd said Fiji's military government, in power since a December 2006 coup, "treats with contempt the most fundamental democratic institutions and press freedoms of its people".
Fiji has been in the grip of political turmoil since the coup, and the situation deteriorated further this month with the abrogation of the constitution and sacking of the judiciary.
It is now inevitable Fiji will be suspended from the Pacific Islands Forum and from the Commonwealth after failing to move towards an election, in defiance of deadlines set by its neighbours.
"In fact the Fijian government has gone in precisely the reverse direction," Rudd said.
Sir Michael - traditionally an ally of Fiji's coup leader and military ruler Frank Bainimarama - said he too was adopting a tough approach.
"I've always had the door open for Fiji to negotiate with them to make sure the people of Fiji are given an opportunity to stay within the forum," Sir Michael said.
"But I think the exercise they've taken recently, particularly the suspension of the constitution and the dismissal of the judges, leaves no room for others."
Pacific issues specialist Professor Brij Lal, of the Australian National University, said the military government had given Fiji's neighbours little choice.
"The region and the Commonwealth have tried offering an olive branch but it was rejected so they must resort to this," Lal said.
He said this latest step might have the effect of intensifying the siege mentality among the military in Fiji "for which the ordinary citizen will pay a huge price".
"The people of Fiji should hold the interim administration responsible for this because they're simply going about thumbing their nose at the international community, expecting to proceed with impunity," Lal said.
However others, such as Professor Hugh Laracy from the University of Auckland, argue that world leaders should stop pressuring Fiji to go to the polls now and give the military more time to bring about necessary electoral reforms.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentvaingloriouscoconut said on 2009-04-28 @ 23:37 NZDT: Report abusive post
Like a jedi knight said at the beginning of a certain movie, the whole crisis doesn't make sense. A phantom menace at work? Whoever stands to gain most from this charade are 'the Sith'. Alot of noble talk generating alot of thuggery. Judge by effects, and actions beloved Fijians - not by intentions and words. Time will reveal all.
UP2DATE said on 2009-04-28 @ 19:24 NZDT: Report abusive post
The UN is a joke. Sorry Fiji. The Commodore is a total dictator. Only the Fijian people can change this. It is time to stand up to this madness. Good luck.
Mark Manning said on 2009-04-23 @ 13:01 NZDT: Report abusive post
The Commander is hiding from allegations of and an investigation into , his and others , alleged involvement into the murders of 5 Counter Revolutionary Warfare Soldiers in 2000 . At that time of the civil unrest , some soldiers justified murder of these men by declaring them an act of war and thought that assertion would protect them from prosecution . However , one of those murdered , wasn't even in the vicinity of the camp at the time of the killings of the soldiers in the camp .
Udreudre said on 2009-04-18 @ 18:13 NZDT: Report abusive post
Bula Vinaka, just my comment on media. Actually the news now is much better. Before so much headache. Eg the move to get retirement age to 55. Oilei! If were in Fiji 2 months ago, you will know what I mean. As soon as the news was aired, 5 more related news: the unions, the politicians, close up show. Really very stressful. Our own version of Shortland Street was Fiji one news. Very entertaining but stressful. Even at night, we think, this and that, but now, no more. Only news not noise.
Udreudre said on 2009-04-18 @ 11:46 NZDT: Report abusive post
Actually, our beloved country can survive without aid money. we have land, sea, only thing is we get very relaxed. If we work hard and become independant, we will benefit. I am a landowner and personally if we dont get tourists, it will be good. They bring in their evilways. we have a population of 800,000, yet the tourist number is 600,000 per year!. They may be working as cleaners or maids but they come here and are treated like royalty. My children dont have to be slaves to the tourists.