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 -------------- ¶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 -------------- -------------- ¶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 SUVA 00000432 002 OF 002 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