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Frank Bainimarama - Source: ONE News -
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Once the jewel of the South Pacific, political and economic trouble in Fiji could mean bad news for the whole region, a new report says.
The federal government has been warning that the political turmoil in Fiji is taking its toll on the economy and, as a result, hurting ordinary Fijians.
But in a policy brief for the Lowy Institute for International Policy, Susan Hayward-Jones says the implications of Fiji's economic decline could be much more widespread.
"Fiji's political crisis is indeed grave, but the economic crisis already hurting Fiji citizens also has serious implications for the Pacific Islands region and therefore Australia," the policy brief says.
"The full effects of the global financial crisis on the region are yet to be realised and the ripple effect of the deterioration of the Fiji economy on the wider region is difficult to predict with accuracy.
"However, Fiji's importance as a regional economic hub means what happens in Fiji matters to the region."
Fiji has been widely condemned after the military leadership of Commodore Frank Bainimarama was given greater powers just days after the Court of Appeal ruled his government was illegal.
In the wash-up from the court ruling, President Josefa Iloilo scrapped the constitution, sacked the judiciary and reappointed Bainimarama until 2014.
Observers have warned the situation could mean tourism, one of Fiji's biggest income earners, will plummet and the European Union is already hedging on a deal that could have saved the island's important sugar industry.
In order to stave off further economic deterioration, Hayward-Jones recommends Australia, which is holding the Pacific Islands Forum leaders' summit in Cairns in August, work on ways to deliver finance to Fiji despite the political upheaval.
Failure to act on the political problems may also mean it becomes necessary for Australia to take a more interventionist approach in the future, says Ms Hayward-Jones, citing the situation in the Solomon Islands.
Since 2003, Australia has led the international Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the island nation.
In her policy brief, Ms Hayward-Jones notes that earlier intervention by Australia in the Solomons may have made such a major response unnecessary.
"The delay in developing an appropriate response while the situation deteriorated and law and order broke down completely meant the policy response required and eventual implemented became much more complex and expensive, costing the government over $1 billion in expenditure on RAMSI," the brief says.
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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.