|
http://www.forumsec.org/pages.cfm/newsroom/press-statements/2012/third-visit-of-mcg-on-fiji-concludes-in-suva.html
- The process under way will lead to elections by September 2014;
- The constitutional consultation process will be open to all;
- There will be no media restrictions in relation to the constitutional consultation process;
- The elections will be free and fair;
- There will be no parliamentary seats reserved for the military.
1. The Pacific Islands Forum Ministerial Contact Group (MCG) concluded its visit to Fiji today.
2. The MCG thanked Fiji for making officials available for meetings.
The MCG considered the exchanges and briefing useful for bringing them
up to date on developments in Fiji.
3. The MCG also met with Fijian politicians and representatives of
civil society and unions, and welcomed their perspectives which have
contributed to the MCG’s understanding of the situation in Fiji. Written
submissions were also received.
4. Ministers said they were encouraged by the steps taken by Fiji on
election planning, as well as by information provided about Fiji’s
intentions. These gave Ministers a sense that Fiji was a country in
transition, moving to put in place processes required for elections. In
particular, the MCG welcomed assurances from Fiji that:
5. The public consultation process leading to the establishment of a
new constitution will be closely observed by the international
community. The interim Acting Prime Minister and several officials have
asserted it will be inclusive, fair and open. The MCG believes the
process must be accompanied by freedom of association, freedom of speech
and freedom for media. This would allow Ministers to consider
recommending to Leaders that incremental steps be taken to allow Fiji to
participate in some Forum meetings.
6. Ministers reaffirmed Forum Leaders’ long standing offer to support
Fiji’s early return to parliamentary democracy, including through the
provision of appropriate assistance, consistent with the Forum’s
underlying principles and values for respect for democracy, good
governance and the rule of law.
7. The MCG will provide a report to Forum Leaders in the coming weeks
on the positive progress Fiji has made and the further important steps
they believe are required. Based on their continuing engagement, the MCG
Ministers will provide a further update to Leaders at the time of their
meeting in Rarotonga.
8. Ministers affirm the Forum’s intention to remain engaged and look
forward to further progress in Fiji and continued constructive dialogue
with Fiji.
9. Participants in the MCG visit were Hon. Murray McCully, Minister
of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, Senator the Hon. Bob Carr, Minister
for Foreign Affairs of Australia, Hon. Ano Pala, Minister for Foreign
Affairs and Immigration of Papua New Guinea, Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa,
Minister of Justice of Samoa, Hon. Apisai Ielemia, Minister for Foreign
Affairs, Trade, Tourism, Environment and Labour of Tuvalu and Hon.
Alfred Carlot, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vanuatu.
Press release - Pacific Islands Forum http://www.forumsec.org
|
