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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Commonwealth Secretary-General warns Fiji Islands military to abide by Constitution

1 November 2006

Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon today expressed grave concern over developments in Fiji Islands, following the reported threats by the Commander of the Fiji military forces, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, to bring down the Government. 

Mr McKinnon said: “The Commonwealth brings together 53 democratic countries around the world. We have no tolerance for military leaders who overthrow democractic governments. The overthrow of an elected government would be a clear violation of the Commonwealth's Harare Principles, which define our association's fundamental political values.”
Mr McKinnon said he had been in telephone contact with Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and other political leaders in the Pacific region. He had once again assured Prime Minister Qarase of the Commonwealth's firm solidarity and support for the democratically elected government of Fiji.
“There have been persistent concerns about the involvement of the military in Fiji politics. Fiji has a proud and professional military, which should stay out of the political arena,” he said. 
The Secretary-General warned that, “the Pacific region, the Commonwealth and the wider international community will not countenance any derogation from constitutional rule.
“The current situation in Fiji Islands is a test for its military leadership. They need to appreciate and respect fully the spirit and intent of Fiji's constitution. At the end of the day, the responsibility of any military authority in a Commonwealth democracy is to accept the will of the people as it is voiced through their elected Parliaments and Governments.”
Note to Editors
In their report on the May 2006 General Elections in Fiji Islands, Commonwealth Observers said that the job of the armed forces is “to protect the security of the country, at the direction of the Government. It is not the armed forces' role to be involved in or make statements about politics.”
For media enquiries, contact Geraldine Goh at +44-7730-900-020 




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