Commonwealth Secretariat
  1. Home
  2. What's New
  3. Who We Are
  4. What We Do
    1. Democracy
    2. Economics
    3. Education
    4. Gender
    5. Governance
    6. Health
    7. Human Rights
    8. Law
    9. Small States
    10. Sport
    11. Sustainability
    12. Youth
    13. Millennium Development Goals
    14. Funding
  5. News
    1. Events
    2. News Archive Search
    3. Picture Stories
  6. Media Room
    1. Press Archive Search
    2. Media Contacts
    3. CommonwealthTV
    4. Podcast: Pick of the Commonwealth
    5. Events
    6. In the Media
    7. Updates
    8. Downloads
  7. Resources
    1. Documents
    2. Image Library
    3. Libary & Archives
    4. Publications
  8. Publications
  9. Employment
  10. FAQs
    1. Acronyms
  11. Contact Us
Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Commonwealth Secretary-General Welcomes Fiji Court Ruling on Constitution

1 March 2001

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Don McKinnon, today welcomed the decision by the Fiji Islands Court of Appeal to uphold the 1997 Constitution as the Supreme Law of the Republic of the Fiji Islands. He further welcomed the statement by the Interim Government that it would abide by the terms of the judgement and would act in accordance with the wishes of the President.

The Secretary-General also indicated his support for the statement made by President Ratu Iloilo outlining the steps to be taken to return full constitutional rule to Fiji.

Mr McKinnon said:

I welcome today's decision by the Fiji Court of Appeal. This decision sends a clear message that the rule of law cannot be overturned by force.

The last few months have been a difficult and testing time for the people of Fiji and I speak on behalf of all Commonwealth nations when I express my hope that we can now move towards a return to democracy and national unity, and eventually welcome Fiji back into the Commonwealth family.

My Special Envoy, Justice Pius Langa, remains ready, on behalf of the Commonwealth, to assist Fiji in whatever manner is required to address the challenges of the coming period.

01/17 1 March 2001
Share this page
About this

ISSUED BY THE COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIVISION
Commonwealth Secretariat Marlborough House Pall Mall London SW1Y 5HX United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7747 6385/6 Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 9081
Email: info@commonwealth.int