Coalition for Democracy and Peace say "It's a matter of PRINCIPLE"
Below is a statement on sanctions in Fiji, issued today by the new Coalition for Democracy and Peace, which links women’s and non-government groups in Fiji.
MEDIA STATEMENT
Coalition says NO to sanctions: “Only the poor will suffer”
SUVA, Thursday 7th December, 2006:
A group of concerned NGOs and citizens have come out strongly against international sanctions for Fiji. The Coalition for Democracy and Peace says sanctions, which have already begun by the New Zealand Government, will mainly affect poor and marginalized Fiji citizens.
“Removing scholarships and access to guest worker schemes obviously affect poor people, and not the military,” the group said.
“This shifts the negative impact of the military takeover onto the ordinary citizen.”
Fiji citizens are also feeling the brunt of the military takeover, as important issues such as the increase in Valued Added Tax (VAT) and the privatization of water are ignored during the crisis. Vulnerable groups are also particularly at risk of violence and increasing levels of HIV, as a result of reduced services.
While welcoming the military’s retreat from media outlets, the Coalition is concerned by some published language that legitimizes the current illegal takeover. The Coalition requests that the media refer to all military appointments as ‘military-appointed official’ rather than ‘caretaker’ official.
The group yesterday delivered a request for a Presidential Commission of Inquiry to the President, Commander and Great Council of Chiefs. The Coalition reiterates its pledge of allegiance to President Ratu Josefa Iloilo and has called on him to establish a binding Commission of Truth, Justice and Resolution under the Commission of Inquiry Act. The Coalition believes such an inquiry can assist in addressing existing concerns from all sides of the conflict and is a Constitutional way out of the current crisis.
They have also reiterated their call for peaceful non-violent protest by citizens calling for peace, democracy and the Rule of Law by:
Wearing a Fiji Blue ribbon
Wearing all black every Thursday as part of the ‘Thursdays in Black’ campaign
Lighting a candle or lamp for peace in their homes, offices, churches or temples
The Coalition for Democracy and Peace is a diverse group of citizens and NGOs who are working to halt Fiji’s collapse into political, social and economic disaster following the military takeover of the Fiji Government.
For more information contact:
Suliana Siwatibau (Chairperson c/- PCPI 3318927)
Sharon Bhagwan Rolls (c/- femLINKPACIFIC 3307207)
Virisila Buadromo (c/- FWRM 3313156)
Shamima Ali (c/- FWCC 3313300)
Ponipate Ravula (c/- CCF 3308379)
Wadan Narsey
MEDIA STATEMENT
Coalition says NO to sanctions: “Only the poor will suffer”
SUVA, Thursday 7th December, 2006:
A group of concerned NGOs and citizens have come out strongly against international sanctions for Fiji. The Coalition for Democracy and Peace says sanctions, which have already begun by the New Zealand Government, will mainly affect poor and marginalized Fiji citizens.
“Removing scholarships and access to guest worker schemes obviously affect poor people, and not the military,” the group said.
“This shifts the negative impact of the military takeover onto the ordinary citizen.”
Fiji citizens are also feeling the brunt of the military takeover, as important issues such as the increase in Valued Added Tax (VAT) and the privatization of water are ignored during the crisis. Vulnerable groups are also particularly at risk of violence and increasing levels of HIV, as a result of reduced services.
While welcoming the military’s retreat from media outlets, the Coalition is concerned by some published language that legitimizes the current illegal takeover. The Coalition requests that the media refer to all military appointments as ‘military-appointed official’ rather than ‘caretaker’ official.
The group yesterday delivered a request for a Presidential Commission of Inquiry to the President, Commander and Great Council of Chiefs. The Coalition reiterates its pledge of allegiance to President Ratu Josefa Iloilo and has called on him to establish a binding Commission of Truth, Justice and Resolution under the Commission of Inquiry Act. The Coalition believes such an inquiry can assist in addressing existing concerns from all sides of the conflict and is a Constitutional way out of the current crisis.
They have also reiterated their call for peaceful non-violent protest by citizens calling for peace, democracy and the Rule of Law by:
Wearing a Fiji Blue ribbon
Wearing all black every Thursday as part of the ‘Thursdays in Black’ campaign
Lighting a candle or lamp for peace in their homes, offices, churches or temples
The Coalition for Democracy and Peace is a diverse group of citizens and NGOs who are working to halt Fiji’s collapse into political, social and economic disaster following the military takeover of the Fiji Government.
For more information contact:
Suliana Siwatibau (Chairperson c/- PCPI 3318927)
Sharon Bhagwan Rolls (c/- femLINKPACIFIC 3307207)
Virisila Buadromo (c/- FWRM 3313156)
Shamima Ali (c/- FWCC 3313300)
Ponipate Ravula (c/- CCF 3308379)
Wadan Narsey
posted by Pax Christi @ Thursday, December 07, 2006
<< Home