Hayley J. Campbell
Impunity Watch Senior Desk Officer, Oceania

SUVA, Fiji – The Pacific Islands Forum chairman has stated that Fiji’s military regime is a threat to the region’s stability and must return to democratic rule as soon as possible.

Toke Talagi, Forum chairperson and Niuean Premier, has recommended that Pacific leaders force Fiji to set a date for elections ahead of the previously imposed May 1st deadline.

In addition, Talagi has condemned the recent abrogation of Fiji’s constitution and the reappointment of several Fiji ministers including interim prime minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama.

Talagi says that such action is in contradiction to the Court of Appeal’s ruling last week, declaring the 2006 military coup led by Bainimarama illegal.

According to Talagi, Fiji’s military regime now poses a serious threat to the region’s stability.

“It is our belief that Fiji poses a real threat in terms of the stability of the region and we’d like Fiji to go back to democratic rule as quickly as possible. This is not withstanding the fact that the military regime has influenced the president to state that they won’t hold elections for the next five years,” Talagi said.

If the Pacific Islands Forum suspends Fiji from the group, Talagi says the Forum will still support the people of Fiji and offer what assistance it can.

For more information, please see:
Radio New Zealand International – Fiji military actions threaten regional stability, says Pacific Forum chair – 15 April 2009

ABC News – Pacific Islands Forum head says Fijian expulsion likely – April 15 2009

Sydney Morning Herald – Pacific bloc leader attacks Bainimarama – 15 April 2009