UN calls for resumption of Fiji democracy 

Source: ONE News

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The UN Security Council deplored what it called a "step backwards" in Fiji, demanding that the South Pacific island resume moves toward democracy and hold elections as soon as possible.

Fiji has been plunged into a political crisis since its president reappointed military chief Frank Bainimarama as interim prime minister on April 11, less than two days after a court ruled his 2006 coup and subsequent government illegal.

Since his reappointment, Bainimarama has imposed emergency restrictions and refused to hold elections before 2014.

After a briefing from UN political department chief Lynn Pascoe, the Security Council said it was "deeply concerned about the situation in Fiji, where undemocratic decisions were made, including the abrogation of the constitution."

"It is a step backwards," said a statement read to media by Ambassador Claude Heller of Mexico, the current council president, adding that a "restoration of the democracy process" was required.
 
The council's 15 members "expressed hopes that Fiji would make a steadfast advancement toward democracy and that free elections will be held at the soonest possible time," Heller said.

In his briefing, Pascoe described the new measures taken in Fiji as "brazen actions" that would further polarize society and increase the potential for instability and violence.

He said preparations that had been under way for the United Nations and the Commonwealth to mediate political dialogue in Fiji faced suspension "unless there is a change in the current state of affairs."

What do you make of the Fiji situation? Post your comment on the messageboard below:

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vaingloriouscoconut ; 2009-04-28 @ 23:37 NZDT  

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.

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UP2DATE ; 2009-04-28 @ 19:24 NZDT  

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.

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Mark Manning ; 2009-04-23 @ 13:01 NZDT  

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 .

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Udreudre ; 2009-04-18 @ 18:13 NZDT  

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.

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Udreudre ; 2009-04-18 @ 11:46 NZDT  

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.

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