Statement by Commonwealth Secretary-General on Fiji Islands

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 against the democratically elected Government.

“The Commonwealth unreservedly condemns military action against democratically elected governments,” Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon said.

“Any such action would be a serious violation of the Commonwealth’s fundamental political values and would be a threat to democracy everywhere. One of the ties that bind the Commonwealth is our shared commitment to ensuring that all our citizens have democratically elected leaders rather than leaders imposed by force.”

“The Great Council of Chiefs has a key constitutional and traditional role, and is a body well placed to take a united leadership role at this critical time to defend Fiji’s constitution and democratic governance, and to resolve the current situation once and for all.”

“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, including the Commonwealth; the United Nations Secretary-General and Security Council; Fiji’s other development partners and friends; and neighbouring countries in the Pacific. All have a strong and genuine desire for stability, economic and social progress for the people of Fiji, as well as the government, they have chosen.

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

Note to editors:

The Secretary-General has been in touch with the Commonwealth Chairperson-in-Office, Dr Lawrence Gonzi of Malta, representing the organisation’s 53 Heads of Government. The Secretary-General has also spoken to the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), Foreign Minister Hon Dr Michael Frendo of Malta to discuss developments in Fiji Islands. CMAG is responsible for addressing violations of the Commonwealth’s fundamental principles. Mr McKinnon has also been speaking with regional leaders, including Fiji’s Prime Minister Qarase.

The Millbrook Commonwealth Action Programme on the Harare Declaration, Issued by Heads of Government at Millbrook, New Zealand, on 12 November 1995 states:

“Where a member country is perceived to be clearly in violation of the Harare Commonwealth Declaration, and particularly in the event of an unconstitutional overthrow of a democratically elected government, appropriate steps should be taken to express the collective concern of Commonwealth countries and to encourage the restoration of democracy within a reasonable time frame.”

The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group on the Harare Declaration (CMAG) was established by Commonwealth Heads of Government in order to deal with serious or persistent violations of the principles contained in that Declaration.

For further information, please contact Joel Kibazo, Director of Communications and Public Affairs on +44 7740 450 901.