Deadline for Fiji's suspension from Pacific Islands Forum approaching
Updated
The Pacific Islands Forum's deadline for Fiji's suspension is fast approaching, with Forum Chair and Premier of Niue Toke Talagi saying the currrent round of negotiations with Pacific leaders needs to be completed before deciding whether to proceed. At a special meeting in Papua New Guinea in January the leaders decided that unless Fiji took steps to return the country to parliamentary democracy it would be suspended on May the 1st.
Presenter Geraldine Coutts
Speaker: Premier of Niue and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum Toke Talagi
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TOKE TALAGI: We're still consulting at the present moment with leaders and determining a pathway forward, given the changes that have occurred and also the impact that will have with respect to the decision made by the forum in Papua New Guinea. So, until we've completed that process, I won't be making any further comments, with respect to that.
GERALDINE COUTTS: And is Fiji part of that process? Because Fiji keeps saying they want the dialogue to continue and the forum certainly does. So have they been included in this latest round of talks?
TOKE TALAGI: Not as yet. We're still consulting with leaders and talking to them, and until we've reach what I consider a consensus, we will then. I do know that everyone's happy with the idea that we continue with dialogue and continue to use the ministerial contact group. But let me say that I am pleased with the reaction and response from the United Nations. The fact that they have deplored and condemned the actions by the interim regime and military, if you like, dictatorship that has occurred in Fiji. I am pleased to note that they have stated those very strongly. I'd also like them to consider the fact that they are using Fijian troops for what I consider as being peacekeeping and good governance support around the world. It appears ironic and contradictory to me that they will continue to use Fijian troops, despite the fact that the military regime is somewhat considered illegal. Therefore, we will be discussing with the United Nations and the United Kingdom the proposal that, in fact, they no longer use Fijian troops for the purposes of peacekeeping around the world, given the fact that it's a contradiction in terms and it's an irony to use them for what I consider as being peacekeeping and good governance principles when Fiji itself is not practising those measures, at all.
