HONIARA (Pacnews) — Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the application of the principles of democracy will not work in resolving the crisis in Fiji.
Sogavare said the frequency of military coups in Fiji challenges the workings of the important pillars that bind the Commonwealth together.
He said while he is a strong believer in the principles of democracy as the best system of governance ever invented, Fiji needs a good dose of understanding and respect from regional countries and the Commonwealth.
He said the Biketawa declaration clearly understands this argument.
“ We cannot possibly be of any help to Fiji if the region is bogged down in advancing theories of good governance, democracy and the rule of law when it blatantly refuse to understand the problems of that country,” he said.
“This is the message of Commonwealth Day celebrations. Our strategies must be premised on the full understanding of the situations on the ground that is nurtured by desire to respect our difference.”