WELLINGTON (Pacnews) — The New Zealand government has accused Fiji’s Great Council of Chiefs of adopting a “whimsical attitude to democracy.”
Duty Minister Jim Anderton said New Zealand remains opposed to Fiji’s military-backed regime, despite the last bastion of Fijian opposition appearing to collapse.
The council threw its weight behind the interim administration, which includes military leader Frank Bainimarama, the man behind December’s coup, as prime minister.
But Anderton said sanctions will remain in place and New Zealand’s position will not change.
“We will not change our minds depending on the latest whim from a group that used to oppose coups and now does not.”
Less than three weeks ago the council denounced the Dec. 5 coup, refused to recognize Commodore Bainimarama as head of state or to condone any changes he had made.
But recently, council chairman Ratu Ovini Bokini said it was time for Fiji to “move forward.” He called on the ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and his colleagues to work towar the betterment of the nation.
The council holds a powerful place in the constitution, appointing the titular head of state on the advice of the elected government. It also holds sway with the politically dominant indigenous Fijian majority.
Anderton said there appeared to be a “coup mentality or culture” developing in Fiji.
“There’s now a very big gap between what Fiji is now accepting and the democratic process that we support in this country.”
The interim government, which is expected to meet for the first time on Tuesday, has already gained the backing of the Fijian Trade Union Council and the Retailers Association which both said earlier this month they supported Bainimarama’s appointment.
And the regime has also won support from the Methodist Church which claims the allegiance of most Fijians.
However, the changes in Fiji are still attracting international concern.
The December coup was Fiji’s fourth since 1987.