By Eileen Gould
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania
SUVA, Fiji – Fiji’s decision to expel Australia and New Zealand’s top diplomats has prompted the European Union to speak out.
Fiji’s Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama expelled Australia’s High Commissioner James Batley, as well as New Zealand’s envoy, pursuant to a memorandum issued by Fiji’s chief justice, Anthony Gates.
The memorandum criticized Australia’s policy aimed at preventing foreign justices from holding positions on Fiji’s court.
Several Sri Lankan judges and magistrates were unable to obtain transit visas from Australia and were thus prevented from taking up their assignments in Fiji. A similar incident occurred in New Zealand.
According to some, Gates’ statements were misleading.
Prior to this incident, Bainimarama threatened to take action against both nations regarding the travel bans, but without specifically referencing the Sri Lankan justices.
In response to Bainimarama’s decision to expel the diplomats from Fiji, the European Union issued a statement last Tuesday, encouraging Fiji to re-think its position.
The Swedish Presidency of the EU stated that the isolationist tendencies of Fiji’s military leader have led to deteriorating relations with the international community.
Further, the EU noted that “[b]y isolating itself, Fiji puts at risk the concerted efforts to bring about the return of rule of law and democracy”.
The countries of the Pacific region and Fiji must work together to prevent the country from encouraging additional negative developments.
The EU has also insisted that Bainimarama’s administration restore democratic rule to the tiny nation.
Australia and New Zealand have been the most outspoken in condemning the military leader’s rule.
Last May, the Pacific Islands Forum suspended Fiji’s membership after the Prime Minister refused to hold elections.
The military has occupied the country since December 2006, when Fiji’s leader ousted the elected government.
For more information, please see:
News.com.au – EU regrets Fiji expulsion of top envoys – 11 November 2009
ABC News – Fiji’s expulsion of envoy unwarranted – 09 November 2009
The Australian – Coup culture ‘risks starving people of Fiji – 09 November 2009
The Australian – Flawed memo behind Fiji’s decision to expel top Australian diplomats – 08 November 2009
