Croz Walsh's Blog -- New Zealand and Fiji: How Much Fairer They Could Be

A review of Australian-Fiji relations which concludes:


The government of Fiji must be given the time to develop, implement and evaluate its political, social and economic policies using evidence-based methodologies. However, it should ensure that its strategies and processes are transparent and inclusive and past initiatives are fully audited and outcomes clearly measured against strict performance guidelines. While time and space should be given to the Fiji government to implement its reforms, there has to be evidence that reasonable steps are being taken to return Fiji to civilian rule in the future. The international community should understand that rushing into an election without establishing sound constitutional, institutional and electoral systems can lead to further political breakdown and military coups. Therefore, it is important that Australia work with the Fiji government in ensuring that preconditions for a return to civilian rule are fully embed…

In short, on the surface, no change towards Fiji and no Australian pressure on the Melanesian Spearhead Group. A major concern seems to be that other Pacific nations do not copy Fiji. But, below the surface, surely Australia must be aware of Bainimarama's Look North policies and how they may affect Australian influence in the region.  Read on.

By Gerald McGhie*
Former NZ diplomat, former Director of the NZ Institute of International Affairs,
former Chairman Transparency International NZ Interim Prime Minister Bainimarama’s track record does little to encourage those who look to an early negotiated settlement to the current coup/crisis. But the coup is now in its fourth year and Bainimarama remains well entrenched. Action to date has not brought him to the negotiating table.

Commonwealth Gibberish
Opinion
Crosbie Walsh
I don't really know why the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group¹ needed to meet in New York to discuss Fiji over the weekend. It said little and achieved nothing. The CMAG expressed its concern about the "lack of progress made toward the restoration of civilian constitutional democracy in Fiji[and hoped Fiji would take]the necessary steps to enable the restoration of its full participation in the Commonwealth as soon as possible."

Photo: See footnote 3, below.

But Fiji has made it abundantly clear -- for over a year now -- that elections would not be held until 2014, and it has given its reasons. The most that can be hoped for is the lifting of the Public Emergency Regulations, increased civilian involvement in government and more dialogue, with political dialogue starting before 2012. Why didn't CMAG push for this approach?

The CMAG "reaffirmed their solidarity with the people of Fiji." They said they were ready …

NEW SOLOMON PM:  FIJI's ISOLATION A MISTAKE.  The new Solomon Islands PM Hon. Danny Philip says the decision by the PI Forum to isolate Fiji was a big mistake.
He announced that Solomon Islands will engage in direct talks with Fiji. Noting how Fiji's history differed from other former Pacific colonies, he hoped to discuss with PM Bainimarama the areas of electoral reform now being embarked upon. He said "it is the genuine commitment that is important, not the exact number days, months or years it will take to hold democratic elections."
FIJI CONGRATULATES NEW SOLOMONS ISLANDS PM. PM Bainimarama has congratulated the new Solomon Islands PM , Hon.Danny Philip, saying that he looked forward to their meeting at the earliest opportunity to exchange views on matters of common interests.
“Fiji and Solomon Islands have enjoyed very close and cordial ties for many years.   Our strong relationship has proven to be one of the most significant and unwavering partnership t…

Despite the unchanging rigidity of their isolationist approach towards Fiji, the political leaderships in Australia and New Zealand would now have all but realised that trying to keep Fiji out of the South Pacific regional equation was never going to be a tenable strategy. 

Click here for story.

WEEKEND READING.  Allen Lockington's column; an Indo-Fijian's impressions on his home visit; Book Review. Michael Field's Swimming with Sharks, and in "Fiji and its Dictator" Chris Griffin, an Australian social anthropologist now living in Fiji, challenges ABC Rowan Callick's views published in last week's Weekend Australian. A veritable feast of comment and observation. Enjoy.
FIJI STILL OUT OF FORUM. The announcement causes no surprise and no further comment is necessary. Silence is the most perfect expression of scorn. -- George Bernard Shaw.


FORUM: EU SAYS FIJI MISSED. Fiji's absence from the Forum has prompted questions about its relevance and ability to help lift Pacific islanders out of poverty. The latest question comes from Christian Leffler, head of the EU Forum delegation.

"When Fiji is not participating fully in regional cooperation," he said, "as witnessed by their absence from this Pacific Islands Forum meeting, that also w…

KEY MOUTH AND NO EARS.    As the saying goes, "God gave us two ears and one mouth so that we may listen twice as much as we speak." Heedless of this heavenly advice, what does our PM say in response to comment that Australians and New Zealanders are  not  Pacific Islanders?

TVNZ reported that he 'blasted as a "ridiculous assertion" comments by Fiji's Commodore Frank Bainimarama that Australia and  New Zealand should not be in the Pacific Islands Forum because they were "not Pacific Islanders".' And then, with a touch of immodesty that would not have been missed by Pacific leaders, he went on to say: "We've always played a leadership (sic!) role in the Pacific, we're going to continue to do that."

A little later, Kiribati President Anote Tong, who seemed to be agreeing with Bainimarama, said: "There's a feeling there should be more Pacific in the Pacific," adding that he is not alone in thinking more progress will…

41st PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM PORT VILA, VANUATU
3 -6 AUGUST 2010 PRESS RELEASE (69/10) 3rd August 2010

The Chair of the 41st Pacific Islands Forum and Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu, Hon. Edward Natapei, MP, has called for the removal of barriers and elements in the region that deny democracy and good governance.

IT'S GOING TO BE A FUNNY FORUM that starts today in Vila. Sir Michael Somare, who positioned himself as a key player in negotiating with Fiji, has withdrawn at the last minute because he needs to be in PNG. He is replaced by Planning Minister Paul Tiensten. Solomon Islands PM Derek Sikua and Australian PM Julia Gillard are also unable to attend due to their respective election campaigns.Tuvualu's Prime Minister Apisai Ielemia  will also not be there.  Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith and NZ PM John Key have missed the Tuesday session but arrive tonight. And according to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Pacific's biggest issue, Fiji and its ongoing exclusion from the Forum, is apparently not on the agenda. Based on SMH.

Radio NZ International's Johnny Blades, however,  reports that Fiji is a priority issue. “Priority issues include trade negotiations, updates from the Ministerial action Group on Fiji, and cessation of a regional assistance package for Nauru. The …