A Voice for the Voiceless

PINA Says it Will Stay in Fiji; Commonwealth Votes to Continue to Exclude Fiji; Death Threats to Australian Diplomat in Fiji Cause Tension

By Ryan L. Maness

Impunity Watch Senior Desk Officer, Oceania

HONIARA, Solomon Islands — The president of the Media Association of Solomon Islands and publisher of  publisher of the Solomon Islands Star, John Lamani, has called for the Pacific Islands News Association to relocate to the Solomon Islands’ capital of Honiara.  Lamani, who spoke during a World Press Freedom Day celebration in Honiara, said that the relocation is necessary in light of the interim government’s track record of media intimidation.

Lamani said that PINA will be unable to fulfill its role of fighting for media freedom if it remains in Fiji.  Radio New Zealand International reports that Lamani also said that the Solomon Islands would be an ideal location for the media watchdog because the Solomon Islands cherish the fundamental human right to freedom of expression.

The head of PANI, Joseph Ealedona, however, said that it is more vital now than ever that PANI remain in Fiji.  He said that it is incredibly important that PANI engage in the interim government in a dialogue.  “You have to justify where is freedom of media, what is freedom of media, and for us, PINA, right now, freedom of media is definitely being threatened in Fiji. So therefore we must stay there, we won’t be seen to be running away from where the threats are coming from.”

For more information, please see:
Fiji Times — Relocate media outlets: Lamani — 13 May 2008

Radio New Zealand International — PINA says it’s important to remain in Fiji — 12 May 2008

Radio New Zealand International — Regional news organization vows to stay in Fiji — 12 May 2008

The Age — PINA urged to quit Fiji for Solomon Is. — 12 May 2008

Radio New Zealand International — Calls for Pina and Pacnews to move from Fiji — 11 May 2008

LONDON, UK — The  Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group has decided to continue to exclude Fiji from the councils of its organization.  The CMAG, which met on 12 May to consider the readmission of Fiji and Pakistan, declared that they had “grave concerns” that Fiji would not live up to its commitments to return free and fair elections to Fiji within the year.

The Commonwealth, a 53 member nation organization, originally decided to suspend Fiji in the wake of the December 2006 coup.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma, explained the CMAG’s rationale, “The group continued to be concerned at reports which indicated the independence of the judiciary, and freedom of the media, were being seriously compromised, including the deportation of media personnel in contravention of court orders, and the continued militarisation of key Fiji institutions. It also expressed concern at reports of continued human rights abuses.”  However, Winston Peters, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister and Ministerial Action Group Member, said that Fiji could still come around.  “The group continued to be concerned at reports which indicated the independence of the judiciary, and freedom of the media, were being seriously compromised, including the deportation of media personnel in contravention of court orders, and the continued militarisation of key Fiji institutions,” said Peters, “It also expressed concern at reports of continued human rights abuses.”

The interim Prime Minister criticized the CMAG’s position, saying that the international community does not understand the difficulties of holding elections in Fiji and has not given the country sufficient credit for the gains that have been made.  According to Bainimarama, the interim government is commited to restoring democracy to Fiji and continues to foster a culture of dialogue and consensus building in order to find a way forward to Fiji.  Bainimarama said that Fiji has demonstrated its commitment with the Fiji/Forum Joint Working Group along with the efforts of the National Council for Building a Better Fiji.

For more information, please see:
Matangi — Commonwealth calls on Fiji to expedite election process — 15 May 2008

Pacific Magazine — Fiji PM Rebuffs Common Wealth Criticism — 14 May 2008

TradingMarkets.com — Fiji unhappy with CMAG decision — 13 May 2008

Radio New Zealand International — Commonwealth decision lacks understanding, says Fiji regime — 13 May 2008

Radio New Zealand International — Fiji remains suspended from Commonwealth Council — 12 May 2008

Radio New Zealand International — Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group has many concerns over Fiji — 12 May 2008

SUVA, Fiji — In the last month, Australia’s High Commissioner in Fiji, James Batley, has received two death threats.  The most recent threat, which Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith has described as “vile and repugnant”, came last Thursday.

In response to these threats, Batley requested that the interim government allocate two unarmed Australian police to the High Commission to increase security.  The interim government denied this request, saying that it was Fiji’s responsibility to maintain the security of the High Commission.

Smith said that he was very disappointed that Fiji had not approved that allocation of Australian Federal Police personnel to the High Commission, but officers of the Fijian government insist that they continue to take the death threats seriously.  Fiji’s Foreign Minister Ratu Epeli Nailatikausaid that the High Commission is in Suva and that the Australians had requested extra security, but that Fijian police were already providing that.  He also said that an active investigation of the death threats was underway because threats against foreign diplomats are a very serious matter and will not be tolerated.

The interim government’s reassurances will likely come as cold comfort to the Australian government, as Australian authorities have claimed that the military is responsible for the death threats.  Due to the increased threat to their diplomatic personnel, the Australian government is offering to foot the costs and allow personnel at the Australian High Commission to return to Australia.

Nailatikausaid responded, saying that there is no reason for Australian diplomats to leave.  He also said that the accusation that the Fijian military was responsible for the threats was “preposterous and unsubstantiated.”

For more information, please see:
Fiji Times — Offer for family evacuation — 21 May 2008

The Age — ‘Vile’ death threats against Aussia diplomat — 20 May 2008

Fiji Times — Regime stand upsets Australia — 20 May 2008

News.com.au — Don’t leave, Fiji tells Australians — 20 May 2008

Radio New Zealand International — Australia offers to fly families of High Commission staff out of Fiji following threats — 20 May 2008

Radio New Zealand International — Fiji death threats vile, says Australian Foreign Minister — 20 May 2008

ABC News — Fiji blocks police guard for death-threat Commissioner — 19 May 2008

Fiji Times — Batley wanted unarmed officers: Spokesman — 19 May 2008

Radio New Zealand International — Fiji military behind death threats against Australian diplomat, says paper — 19 May 2008

Radio New Zealand International — Fiji administration says it is responsible for security at foreign embassies — 18 May 2008

BRIEF: Marianas House Criticizes Government Takeover

SAIPAN, Northern Marianas Islands — Yesterday, Northern Marianas Governor, Benigno R. Fitial, defended his plan to takeover of the Commonwealth Ports Authority as a necessary measure to preserve the government’s financial integrity.

The ports authority has been in financial trouble for some time and is close to a technical default on the 1998 indenture on its airport bonds. In order to avoid a potential default, Governor Fitial announced last week that the executive branch would assume control of the ports authority under its state of emergency powers.

The House of Representatives voted 18-0 to pass a resolution that firmly disapproves of the Governor’s actions. Representatives claim the Governor’s “state of emergency” powers does not include assisting a “ government agency in repaying a debt.” But Governor Fitial insists that if the default happens, the ports authority would be required to pay the full principal and interest of the bonds. In addition, it is within the Bank of Guam’s authority, as the bond trustee, to issue a default notice and take over the Saipan International Airport.

Governor Fitial’s plan is to place the ports authority under the Governor’s Office for 120 days. But before any reorganization plan can be put into effect, the Legislature must have 60 days to review the proposal including the ability to amend or void it.

For more information, please see:
Saipan Tribune — House questions Fitial’s takeover of CPA — 18 May 2008

Pacific Magazine — ‘Dire Consequences’ Face Northern Marianas Agency — 16 May 2008

BRIEF: Rule of Law Underseige, says PCPI

SUVA, Fiji — Fiji’s Pacific Centre for Public Integrity has taken issue with recent actions of Fiji’s interim administration and they have questioned their adherence to the rule of law. They specifically charged that the interim Prime Minister’s administration had publicly demonstrated that they operated above the law and had no intention of abiding by the Fijian Constitution.

These statements were redoubled after the deportation of Fiji Times publisher Evan Hannah.  According to a PCPI spokesperson, “The deliberate measures taken by the immigration officials to avoid being served the court order to prevent the deportation of Evan Hannah shows once again the deceit and arrogance that is the hallmark of this military interim regime.”

Angie Heffernan, the executive director of the PCPI, also took issue with the solicitor general’s recent request for a dismissal of Evan Hannah’s claim.  Heffernan says that the dismissal request, which is predicated on the argument that the court order to stop the expulsion has expired, demonstrates that the interim government does not respect the Fijian judiciary.  “The interim government went to extraordinary lengths to try and avoid the court order being served on the immigration officials. The nuts and bolts of the case will be dealt with, but in our view this signifies that the interim government has absolutely no respect for the court order, or for the courts in general.”

For more information, please see:
Radio New Zealand International — Fiji’s PCPI says rule of law under pressure — 09 May 2008

Radio New Zealand International — Fiji solicitor general asks court to throw out Hannah case — 08 May 2008

Fijilive — Rule of Law Undersiege in Fiji: PCPI — 06 May 2008

Beirut ‘Occupied’ by Hezbollah in ‘Armed Coup’

By Laura Zuber
Impunity Watch Senior Desk Officer, Middle East

BEIRUT, Lebanon – On May 10, Lebanon’s army overturned two government measures in an attempt to diffuse escalating tensions between Hezbollah opposition and the Lebanese government.  Following two key decisions on May 5, Hezbollah and other Shia opposition groups called for general strikes, which quickly resulted in armed confrontations between the opposition and pro-government supporters.

On May 5, the Lebanese government, led by Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and Sunni majority leader Saad Hariri, issued two decisions sparked the opposition’s anger.  First, the cabinet removed Beirut’s airport security chief for alleged ties to the militants.  Second, the cabinet also determined that Hezbollah’s communication network, including its own telephone system, was illegal and threatened Lebanese sovereignty.

Following the government’s decision Hezbollah’s secretary general, Hassan Nasrallah, called for general strikes in protest.  Shia opposition members set up road block on all major roads leading to Beirut’s airport and well as major roads within and around Beirut.

On May 8, Nasrallah stated that the government’s decisions were a declaration of war against Hezbollah.  Following this public statement, street violence between armed members of the Shia opposition group and pro-government supporters broke out in Beirut.  As of May 10, the violence has resulted in at least 25 deaths and dozens of injuries.

Most recently, on the morning of May 10, two people were killed when gunmen targeted a funeral procession for a Sunni, pro-government supporter.  Also, according to Reuters, five gunmen and two soldiers died in clashes in northern Lebanon.

On May 9, Shia opposition fighters launched a rocket-propelled grenade at the outer perimeter of Hariri’s home in west Beirut.  While Hariri was at home, he was not harmed.  Also on May 9, opposition gunmen forced Future News TV, owned by Hariri, off air.  Following a warning from the gunmen, security forces evacuated station employees.

Opposition forces also took over the offices of Hariri’s Al-Mustaqbal newspaper.  According to the paper’s managing editor, gunmen fired on the office with guns and rocket-propelled grenades, and later set fire to one of the floors.

Prime Minister Siniora responded to the recent violence in a public statement on May 10.  He accused Hezbollah of carrying out an “armed coup.”  In addressing the army, Siniora said, “I call on it once again to impose security on all, in all areas, deter the gunmen and immediately remove them from the street … to restore normal life.”

Rula Amin, Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Beirut, said that Siniora had described Beirut as being “occupied” and “besieged;” an attempt to appeal to Lebanese inside and outside the country, as well as the mostly Sunni population in the Arab world.

Pro-government supporters accuse Iran and Syria of supporting Hezbollah and of approving their take over of Beirut.  Iran accuses US and Israeli interference in creating tensions that led to current crisis.  Syria and Israel both state that the crisis is an “internal affair.”

The violence has led Saudi Arabia and Egypt to call for an emergency meeting of the Arab League to discuss the political crisis.  This meeting is scheduled for May 11.

For more information, please see:

Al Jazeera – Lebanon PM Calls for Action by Army – 10 May 2008

Al Jazeera – Who’s Who in Lebanese Politics – 10 May 2008

Associate Press – Lebanese Prime Minister Accuses Hezbollah of ‘Armed Coup’ – 10 May 2008

BBC – Lebanon Army Moves to End Crisis – 10 May 2008

Herald Sun – Militants Attack a Top MP – 10 May 2008

International Herald Tribune – Lebanese Chief Calls on Army to Restore Order – 10 May 2008

Reuters – Hezbollah Fights Start Withdrawing from Beirut – 10 May 2008

Al Jazeera – Timeline: Crisis in Lebanon – 9 May 2008

BBC – Cabinet Condemns Hezbollah ‘Coup’ – 9 May 2008

Violence Erupts in Beirut

By: Julie Narimatsu
Impunity Watch Managing Editor – Journal

BEIRUT, Lebanon – Violence was rekindled Thursday when Hezbollah supporters and Lebanese government supporters exchanged rifle fire and rocket-propelled grenades.  The violence was sparked after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah accused the Lebanese government of declaring “open war” when it tried to shut down Hezbollah’s telecommunications network.  In a televised speech, Nasrallah stated that “we will cut the hand that will reach out to the weapons of the resistance no matter if it comes from the inside or the outside.”  He further defended Hezbollah’s use of the telecommunications network, avering that it is a right of any militia during war.  He referenced the Taif Agreement, which marked the end of the Lebanese civil war in 1989.  The agreement demilitarized all militias except Hezbollah because of its efforts against the Israeli occupation.

In response, government officials attributed this “new round of horror” solely to Nasrallah, asserting that Nasrallah’s speech was a “direct threat of assassinating” them and claiming that the network was being used to oversee Hezbollah’s enemies in the western-backed government.

So far, it is being reported that six people have been killed and fifteen wounded.  While it had been previously limited to Shiite and Sunni neighborhoods in downtown Beirut, it appears that the violence has expanded to include its surrounding neighborhoods.  Further, Hezbollah supporters have blocked the roads to the airport, resulting in the cancellation of flights, a disabling move given Lebanon’s strategic location between Syria and Israel.  The United Nations Security Council called on all parties to begin dialogue again.  The U.S. government is urging Hezbollah to “start playing a constructive role and stop their disruptive activities.”

Saad Hariri, the leader of Lebanon’s parliamentary majority has urged fighters to disarm and “to save Lebanon from hell,” while also calling for a meeting with Nasrallah to discuss the “misunderstanding” over the telecommunications network.  Nasrallah stated that the government must “withdraw their decisions, and there would be no war.”  It is unclear where this stand-off will lead, but the violence does not appear to be subsiding.

For more information, please see:

CNN.com – Gunbattles break out in Beirut – 8 May 2008

MSNBC – Violence rekindles fears of Lebanese civil war – 8 May 2008

Reuters – Fighting rocks Beirut, Hezbollah defiant – 8 May 2008

BBC News – Fierce clashes resume in Beirut – 8 May 2008

Al Jazeera – Beirut wracked by street battles – 8 May 2008