SUVA (Pacnews) — Fiji’s interim prime minister and military chief says the Pacific nation “interests” cannot be compromised by the wishes of Australia and New Zealand.
Commodore Frank Bainimarama comments came following remarks made by these two countries on the leaked Eminent Persons Group Report.
“We decided to engage with an open mind with the Forum Eminent Persons Group on the basis of mutual understanding and respect,” he said
“However, this basis should not be used by Australia and New Zealand and others to push for and impose their own respective interest on Fiji, and thereby undermining my government’s roadmap for the return to parliamentary democracy as early as 2010.”
Bainimarama also lashed out at the two pacific neighbors for speaking out against Fiji when the EPG report was yet to be tabled at the Pacific Islands forum foreign ministers meeting.
“It is also intriguing to note that both Australia and New Zealand have begun commenting on the contents and recommendations of the EPG Report without the Forum foreign affairs ministers, the body which mandated the visit, having been given the opportunity to discuss and evaluate the merits of the report.”
Bainimarama said that “this clearly illustrates the insensitiveness and total lack of understanding on part of these two dominant powers within the Forum about the special circumstances, problems and aspirations of the respective Pacific island countries.”
He reiterated that Fiji is prepared to engage with countries and bodies based primarily on virtues of mutual respect and trust.
The “bullying tactics” which Australia and New Zealand continue to illustrate have potential to derail the process of engagement and dialogue expected to be promoted through the EPG process, said Bainimarama.