FIJI SEEKS MNFI JOB FOR COMMODORE BAINIMARAMA;

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 SUVA 000432

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/17/2016
TAGS: KPKO MARR PREL PGOV IZ FJ
SUBJECT: FIJI SEEKS MNFI JOB FOR COMMODORE BAINIMARAMA;
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUEST

REF: A. SUVA 429

B. BAGHDAD 3761

C. SUVA 425

D. SUVA 401 (AND PREVIOUS)

Classified By: Amb. Dinger. Sec. 1.4 (B,D).

Summary
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1. (S) Fiji Home Affairs Minister Vosanibola has asked if the
Coalition of the Willing in Iraq (MNFI) can offer the
Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander, Commodore
Frank Bainimarama, a senior (two star or above) position.
The request is with the approval of PM Qarase. According to
Vosanibola, Bainimarama has expressed interest. Bainimarama
has been a constant thorn in the side of the Qarase
government for several years, and he continues to threaten to
force the government to resign if it doesn't immediately
reform to Bainimarama's satisfaction. Vosanibola had a
wonderful trip to Baghdad recently, and he will recommend to
Cabinet, per MNFI advice, that Fiji deploy three-officers to
join the Coalition. Bainimarama would be a fourth.
Peacefully removing Bainimarama from the domestic scene would
be good for Fiji. Others must judge if a job in the MNFI is
appropriate. Bainimarama plans to be in Baghdad Nov. 2-5 to
visit Fiji's UNAMI contingent, an opportune moment to discuss
options, if MNFI is interested. End summary.

Minister supports RFMF staff deployment to MNFI
-------------- --

2. (S) Fiji Home Affairs Minister Vosanibola met on a "four
eyes" basis with the Ambassador on Oct. 17. Vosanibola
confirmed ref A report that he had an excellent visit to
Iraq, and he is convinced Fiji should join the Coalition of
the Willing (MNFI). He conveyed that view on Oct. 16 to
Prime Minister Qarase, who was supportive. Vosanibola said
MNFI's Gen. Moore suggested that Fiji contribute three staff
officers to the Coalition: one Colonel and two Lieutenant
Colonels. Vosanibola is preparing a paper for a Cabinet
Sub-Committee meeting late this week or early next to
recommend that modest deployment.

Request: offer Commodore Bainimarama an MNFI position
-------------- --------------

3. (S) Vosanibola made a request. He and Republic of Fiji
Military Forces Commander Bainimarama flew together to New
York late last month to discuss PKO issues at the UN. On the
long flight, Vosanibola asked Bainimarama if he would
consider taking a job as a senior officer in the MNFI if such
were offered. (Bainimarama has previously resisted several
offers of diplomatic postings.) Vosanibola received the
strong impression that Bainimarama would accept an MNFI
offer. Vosanibola noted that Bainimarama has been lobbying
for several months, without success, to receive a promotion
to two stars. Given Bainimarama's positive signal about the
MNFI idea, Vosanibola requests, with PM Qarase's backing,
that the USG provide a senior-level (Major General or above)
offer in the MNFI to Bainimarama.

Qarase Government wants to remove Bainimarama thorn
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4. (S) See refs C, D, and previous for the Fiji Government's
motivation in wanting to remove Commodore Bainimarama from
Fiji's domestic political scene. The Commodore has been a
very disruptive force by repeatedly and publicly complaining
about the Qarase government and, at times, threatening to
force its "resignation." Bainimarama's most recent such
outburst appeared on the front page of the Oct. 17 Fiji
Times. He reportedly has given Qarase and his team three
weeks to resign or else the RFMF will force "resignations."
Vosanibola noted that Fiji's President, the Commander in
Chief of the RFMF, "has not been helpful" in PM Qarase's
efforts to tame Bainimarama. Thus, the government is looking
for a creative alternative.

Comment and action request
--------------

5. (S) From Fiji's domestic perspective and from the USG
interest in a stable Fiji with a truly professional military,
it would be wonderful for Bainimarama to depart the scene
voluntarily. On the other hand, we are cognizant that the
MNFI has plenty of issues to deal with already. Both PACOM
and CENTCOM are aware of Bainimarama's strengths and

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weaknesses. If there is interest within the MNFI,
Bainimarama's planned visit to Iraq Nov. 2-5 will be an
opportune moment to discuss possibilities and make a
judgment. Action request: please provide a USG response to
Vosanibola's inquiry ASAP.
DINGER