SUVA (Pacnews) — The Fiji interim government has criticized the U.S. for failing to recognize the efforts and commitment taken to restore the Pacific nation to democratically elected status.
The prime minister’s office permanent secretary Parmesh Chand made the comment in response to U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice’s criticism of Fiji at the 8th Pacific Island Conference of Leaders in Washington.
“It was to be expected given their stand on the Fiji situation but what they failed to note and realize is the commitment of work in progress by the Forum and the European Union to take the country forward,” Chand said.
“It would be good if that work was recognized because it’s recognized by the Forum process and the EU.”
Rice said the U.S. was concerned about the unlawful overthrow of the democratically elected government.
“We are very pleased that the Pacific countries have spoken with one voice through the Pacific Islands Forum in calling for the speedy return of democracy to Fiji. The Pacific cannot devolve into an area where strongmen unilaterally decide the fates of their country and destabilize democratic foundations of their neighbors,” she said.
Meanwhile, Fiji’s political commitment to the European Union has been endorsed by the cabinet in a move to return the country to credible parliamentary democracy as the earliest time possible.
In a statement, the information ministry said a cabinet sub-committee was formed to oversee and supervise the work of senior officials who will liaise with the EU delegation in the Pacific and other EU member states represented in Suva on monitoring and implementation of these commitments and related issues.
The cabinet’s decision follows a submission by interim Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Ratu Epeli Nailatikau on the outcomes of consultations held with the EU in Brussels.
The information ministry quoted Ratu Epeli as saying the consultations were held under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement on the political situation in Fiji.
Ratu Epeli said provisions under the Cotonou Agreement obliged parties to observe and respect principles of democracy and good governance, respect for human rights and freedoms and respect for the rule of law.
“Where any party is in breach of any of these essential elements, Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement may be invoked by the other party by inviting the party in breach to a consultation,” it said.
“The objective of the consultation is to find mutually acceptable solutions to remedy and restore the full obligation of the essential elements by the party offending. Following the political developments in Fiji on Dec. 5, 2006, and the subsequent appointment of the interim government on Jan. 4, 2007, by the president, the EU, exercising the right to invoke Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement, invited the interim government in the Fiji Islands to consultation pursuant to Article 9 (2).”