The Fiji Crisis
PACIFIC CONCERNS RESOURCE CENTRE Inc.
83 Amy Street, Toorak,
Private Mil Bag, Suva, Fiji Islands.
Telephone: (679) 330 4649 Facsimile: (679) 330 4755
E-mail: pcrc@connect.com.fj
MEDIA RELEASE 01 December, 2006
Please Fiji Stay The Course on the rule of law- PCRC
Office of the President: The Pacific Concerns Resource Centre (PCRC) is gravely concerned that the highest office in Fiji, the Office of the President is again not being decisive strategically especially in this hour of need for Fiji.
Director PCRC Ms. Tupou Vere says: “In spite of the apparent capitulation of the Office of the President at gun-point, we appeal to the Office of the President that it increasingly becomes visible to the public and consistently reassure the nation of the steps it is taking to resolve the impasse and differences over the interpretation of the rule of law in the country”.
“The Commander-in-Chief’s emphatic statement that the Government should bend to the Army’s demands and their excuse that they have been ‘kept in the dark’ of Government’s plans is bewildering as they should have stepped in much earlier,” Ms Vere said.
Ms Vere further expressed alarm at the Office of the President following its recent calls (December 01) for the Government “to bend a little”, may contribute to the eroding of the public’s trust and faith that the Office will impartially uphold law and order. ”
Biketawa Declaration: PCRC lends support to the processes and options contained in the Biketawa Declaration and welcome the decision by Forum members to set up an Eminent Persons Group as a regional response to the present political problems faced by Fiji. PCRC further encourages the Commander of the Fiji Military to support this idea and the spirit in which this latest initiative by Fiji’s neighbours is borne.
PCRC is requesting Pacific Forum Governments to ensure that all relevant parties are in agreement with the framework of EPG including its Terms of Reference.
We welcome the decision not to have foreign military intervention in Fiji and further recommend third party mediation to bolster the work of the EPG and the options it would consider in the future.
Fiji’s Military: Ms Vere also renewed calls on the Commander of Fiji Military not to use its military might to intimidate the Government, women, men and children in the country.
“The Commander’s continuous public display of defiance and pompous behaviour both internally and outside of Fiji only serve to project the myth that ‘might is right’ and more worriedly that if you have the guns and the hardware you can be above the law and the Constitution.”
“This sets a dangerous precedent for future military leaders in the country and that of an institution that is answerable to the Government of the day.
“The Commander is also not a very good role model for the children of Fiji who need exemplary role models.”
“His continuous threats and plans have undermined investor confidence and has contributed to more economic and social problems for the country, Ms Vere said.
“This is the worst form of terrorism when it is being invoked from within the country by an institution that is hell-bent on using extra-ordinary and unconventional means to get its demands.”
PCRC believes that the Fiji Military is no longer a professional and socially responsible outfit.
“It is an expensive and costly apparatus, destructive and alienated from the very society it purports to protect.”
Demands by the Military: PCRC is also of the view that the Government refrains from conceding any further to the Fiji Military’s demands especially if it contravenes the principle of upholding Fiji’s laws and Constitution.
Ms. Vere is requesting the international community and relevant authorities not to impose any sanctions on the country because the innocent will suffer.
PCRC reminds the international community that it is not a breakdown in the country due to general disobedience and outright lawlessness but the actions of a recalcitrant military.
PCRC is appealing to the Military to weigh the implications of their current course.
Role of Churches: We call on church leaders to continue to emphasise to its members the importance of upholding the rule of law.
Great Council of Chiefs: We respectfully call upon the Great Council of Chiefs to continue to find ways of brokering dialogue and peace between Government and Fiji Military Commander and not to be dissuaded by criticisms.
No to Military government or any military supported Governing Structure: Ms. Vere says that it would be a sad day for Fiji if there is a military government in power or a governing structure put in place because of military’s intervention.
Recriminations aside as who had been at fault, a military supported governing structure will herald further disaster for Fiji. At the end of the day the people have made their choice in the 2006 May elections. PCRC will therefore not support a Government that is not reflective of the wishes of its people.
For further information contact:
PCRC Director: Ms Tupou Vere (679) 3304 649, Mob (679) 9215 461
Or PCRC Information officer- Mr. Peter Emberson (679) 3384 177
83 Amy Street, Toorak,
Private Mil Bag, Suva, Fiji Islands.
Telephone: (679) 330 4649 Facsimile: (679) 330 4755
E-mail: pcrc@connect.com.fj
MEDIA RELEASE 01 December, 2006
Please Fiji Stay The Course on the rule of law- PCRC
Office of the President: The Pacific Concerns Resource Centre (PCRC) is gravely concerned that the highest office in Fiji, the Office of the President is again not being decisive strategically especially in this hour of need for Fiji.
Director PCRC Ms. Tupou Vere says: “In spite of the apparent capitulation of the Office of the President at gun-point, we appeal to the Office of the President that it increasingly becomes visible to the public and consistently reassure the nation of the steps it is taking to resolve the impasse and differences over the interpretation of the rule of law in the country”.
“The Commander-in-Chief’s emphatic statement that the Government should bend to the Army’s demands and their excuse that they have been ‘kept in the dark’ of Government’s plans is bewildering as they should have stepped in much earlier,” Ms Vere said.
Ms Vere further expressed alarm at the Office of the President following its recent calls (December 01) for the Government “to bend a little”, may contribute to the eroding of the public’s trust and faith that the Office will impartially uphold law and order. ”
Biketawa Declaration: PCRC lends support to the processes and options contained in the Biketawa Declaration and welcome the decision by Forum members to set up an Eminent Persons Group as a regional response to the present political problems faced by Fiji. PCRC further encourages the Commander of the Fiji Military to support this idea and the spirit in which this latest initiative by Fiji’s neighbours is borne.
PCRC is requesting Pacific Forum Governments to ensure that all relevant parties are in agreement with the framework of EPG including its Terms of Reference.
We welcome the decision not to have foreign military intervention in Fiji and further recommend third party mediation to bolster the work of the EPG and the options it would consider in the future.
Fiji’s Military: Ms Vere also renewed calls on the Commander of Fiji Military not to use its military might to intimidate the Government, women, men and children in the country.
“The Commander’s continuous public display of defiance and pompous behaviour both internally and outside of Fiji only serve to project the myth that ‘might is right’ and more worriedly that if you have the guns and the hardware you can be above the law and the Constitution.”
“This sets a dangerous precedent for future military leaders in the country and that of an institution that is answerable to the Government of the day.
“The Commander is also not a very good role model for the children of Fiji who need exemplary role models.”
“His continuous threats and plans have undermined investor confidence and has contributed to more economic and social problems for the country, Ms Vere said.
“This is the worst form of terrorism when it is being invoked from within the country by an institution that is hell-bent on using extra-ordinary and unconventional means to get its demands.”
PCRC believes that the Fiji Military is no longer a professional and socially responsible outfit.
“It is an expensive and costly apparatus, destructive and alienated from the very society it purports to protect.”
Demands by the Military: PCRC is also of the view that the Government refrains from conceding any further to the Fiji Military’s demands especially if it contravenes the principle of upholding Fiji’s laws and Constitution.
Ms. Vere is requesting the international community and relevant authorities not to impose any sanctions on the country because the innocent will suffer.
PCRC reminds the international community that it is not a breakdown in the country due to general disobedience and outright lawlessness but the actions of a recalcitrant military.
PCRC is appealing to the Military to weigh the implications of their current course.
Role of Churches: We call on church leaders to continue to emphasise to its members the importance of upholding the rule of law.
Great Council of Chiefs: We respectfully call upon the Great Council of Chiefs to continue to find ways of brokering dialogue and peace between Government and Fiji Military Commander and not to be dissuaded by criticisms.
No to Military government or any military supported Governing Structure: Ms. Vere says that it would be a sad day for Fiji if there is a military government in power or a governing structure put in place because of military’s intervention.
Recriminations aside as who had been at fault, a military supported governing structure will herald further disaster for Fiji. At the end of the day the people have made their choice in the 2006 May elections. PCRC will therefore not support a Government that is not reflective of the wishes of its people.
For further information contact:
PCRC Director: Ms Tupou Vere (679) 3304 649, Mob (679) 9215 461
Or PCRC Information officer- Mr. Peter Emberson (679) 3384 177
posted by Pax Christi @ Monday, December 04, 2006
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