REPUBLIC OF FIJI ISLANDS: Statement by Commonwealth Secretary-General
10 January 2007
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Don McKinnon, commented today on the appointment of an interim government in Fiji, further to the military overthrow and subsequent suspension of Fiji from the Councils of the Commonwealth in December 2006.
“The Commonwealth’s primary concern remains the restoration of constitutional rule and democratic government in Fiji. It is therefore essential that the interim government should be no more than a step towards the restoration of democracy.”
The Secretary-General expressed particular disappointment at the appointment of Commodore Bainimarama as the interim Prime Minister.
“The holding concurrently by Commodore Bainimarama of the posts of interim Prime Minister and Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces is inconsistent with the Commonwealth’s fundamental principles. This position has been consistently upheld by Commonwealth Heads of Government; it was reaffirmed when they last met in Malta in 2005; and it was recalled when the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group met last month to take action over Fiji.“
The Secretary-General expressed concern about the lack of clarity over the status of Fiji’s National Assembly and Senate, both of which were suspended by the military regime.
“The military overthrew the Government of Fiji which was democratically elected by the people only last year in elections observed by the Commonwealth and others. The overthrow was a serious violation of the Commonwealth’s fundamental principles. So, too, was the suspension of Parliament. Until constitutional democracy is restored, the people of Fiji continue to be denied their full and fundamental human rights, and the Commonwealth’s principles continue to be violated.”
The Secretary-General confirmed that he continues to maintain close dialogue with other Commonwealth countries and international and regional organisations regarding the situation in Fiji.
Note to Editors
In December 2006, the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) suspended Fiji’s membership from the Councils of the Commonwealth pending the restoration of democracy and the rule of law in that country.
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