Commonwealth concerns for Fiji continue

The Commonwealth is closely monitoring developments in the Republic of Fiji Islands in response to continued threats of military intervention made by the Commander of the Armed Forces Frank Bainimarama against the democratically-elected government.

“The Commander’s continued threats are widely seen as a regrettable disregard for the concerns of ordinary people in Fiji as well as the international community,” Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon said in a statement issued on 1 December 2006.

Mr McKinnon called for restraint by Fiji’s military.

“The Commonwealth continues to urge restraint by Fiji’s military, dialogue by all, and the upholding of Fiji’s constitution and democratic government,” he said.

“The President and Vice-President’s role in ensuring there is peace and stability during this difficult time in the country will remain crucial. The Great Council of Chiefs also has a key constitutional and traditional responsibility, and is a body well placed to take a united leadership at this critical time to defend Fiji’s constitution and democratic governance, and to resolve the current situation once and for all.”

The Commonwealth also supports the recent decision by the Pacific Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting, held in Sydney on 1 December, which called for the establishment of an Eminent Persons’ Group to assist in resolving the impasse between the Fiji Government and the Commander of the military.

The full text of Mr McKinnon’s statement on the current situation in Fiji Islands is available here.

Key Links:

• The Millbrook Commonwealth Action Programme on the Harare Declaration, 1995
• Country Profile: Fiji Islands
• Commonwealth Secretary-General