FIJI MILITARY GRABS AMMO FROM WHARF; PM ADDRESSES

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 SUVA 000466 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/01/2016 TAGS: PREL MARR CASC ASEC FJ SUBJECT: FIJI MILITARY GRABS AMMO FROM WHARF; PM ADDRESSES NATION REF: A. SUVA 463 ¶B. SUVA 462 ¶C. SUVA 460 (AND PREVIOUS) Classified By: Amb. Dinger. Sec. 1.4 (B,D). Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) troops seized a container of ammunition without police permission on Nov. ¶1. PM Qarase held National Security Council and Cabinet meetings, and then addressed the nation. He reviewed friction with RFMF Commander Bainimarama, but did not mention the President's suspension order. Qarase said there is absolutely no question of the Government stepping down. The PM is open to further dialogue with the RFMF in an effort to resolve pending issues, and Qarase intends to convene a Great Council of Chiefs meeting next week. Qarase applauded statements of support for Fiji's democracy by Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S. He predicted "dire consequences" if the Army fails to behave. Finally, he noted a possibility of inviting Pacific Island Forum intervention (akin to RAMSI in the Solomons). End summary. Army seizes ammo without permit -------------- ¶2. (C) A contingent from the Republic of Fiji military Forces (RFMF) marched onto Suva's wharf on the morning of Nov. 1 and seized a container of ammunition that Fiji Police Commissioner Hughes had declined to release (see reftels). Hughes reportedly thought he had a deal cut with RFMF leadership for a press event at which RFMF Acting Commander Teleni would announce a military guarantee not to use the ammo against the Fiji Government. Hughes has told the media he was prepared to release the ammo once that public guarantee was made. However, at the last minute, Teleni declined to appear. Reportedly, RFMF troops in full battle gear went onto the wharf, took control of the container, and transported it to a military facility. Per ref C, Hughes has ordered police not to confront the RFMF, fearing bloodshed. None occurred. NSC meeting discusses options -------------- ¶3. (S) We are told that at a National Security Council meeting on the morning of Nov. 1 members discussed options for next steps. One idea was to initiate an international arrest warrant. Another was to see if the regional mechanism utilized under Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) auspices to launch the RAMSI regional response in the Solomons might be invoked 
preemptively in Fiji. When Police Commissioner Hughes was asked if police could guarantee security, he admitted they cannot if the RFMF is the initiator of problems. PM Qarase later held a meeting with his multi-party cabinet. PM addressing the nation -------------- ¶4. (U) Prime Minister Qarase addressed the nation on TV and radio at 5 p.m. For the first day and a half since President Iloilo's suspension order for RFMF Commander Bainimarama, there had been no public statements by the government. Everyone in Fiji was aware from media accounts and gossip that civil-military tensions are high. The PM didn't mention at all the President's suspension order against Bainimarama, perhaps to save the President's face. Qarase did note repeated threats by Bainimarama to overthrow the government, which have engendered a police investigation. Questions about Bainimarama motives -------------- ¶5. (U) The PM declared he has been patient and has tried to engage in dialogue with Bainimarama, but he got the impression the Commodore "expected me virtually to follow his orders." Qarase noted Bainimarama's expansive view of the military's role and observed that the Government has referred the issue to the Supreme Court for a conclusive finding. Qarase acknowledged the Commodore's complaints about corruption, and said he, the PM, has taken a strong stand against such. He speculated that such complaints may really be cover for an agenda to overthrow the Government. He asked if unscrupulous people with selfish agendas are manipulating Bainimarama. No resignation; open to dialogue -------------- SUVA 00000466 002 OF 002 ¶6. (U) Qarase stated, "I declare that there is absolutely no question of me resigning in response to the current situation, or of my Government stepping down." He said his Government has the constitutional authority and support of the people. Qarase said the Army is an important institution, with a proud tradition of peacekeeping. He offered to enter dialogue with the Army yet again on military concerns with a view to "finding resolutions that serve the best interests of Fiji," but also with the proviso that nobody is above the law. Great Council of Chiefs next week -------------- ¶7. (C) Qarase said he intends to call a Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) meeting next week, and noted that, per ref A, one agenda item may be whether to withdraw controversial legislation from Parliament. (Note: we hear another item may be whether to replace President Iloilo with someone who might be able to whip the RFMF into line.) Qarase noted a wish to tap chiefly wisdom in the current crisis. (Note: The GCC, made up of high chiefs from each of Fiji's 14 ethnic-Fijian provinces, has played an influential role at times.) International, including U.S., support -------------- ¶8. (U) Qarase noted that the international environment today is "totally different" from past coup years of 1987 and 2000. Now the international community is more active in protecting democratic governments. Qarase reported that Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S. (State's press statement) have come out "very strongly in support of the maintenance of democracy and constitutional rule in Fiji." Qarase predicted "dire consequences" for Fiji if the Army fails to behave, including for the tourism industry. He noted that "there is every likelihood (a coup) would severely prejudice the continued participation by Fiji in international peacekeeping operations." Invoking Biketawa, a la RAMSI? -------------- ¶9. (C) Finally, Qarase referred to the Pacific Island Forum's Biketawa Declaration that provides a mandate for member governments to intervene during a crisis on invitation. (Note: we hear Fiji is exploring whether the procedure might be invoked preemptively.) Volunteer intermediaries...with an agenda? -------------- ¶10. (C) Reportedly, three former RFMF Commanders -- Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Ratu Epeli Ganilau, and Paul Manueli -- have volunteered to reconcile the differences between the Government and the RFMF. Rumors are rife that at least Ganilau and Manueli have been part of the problem in recent weeks, egging Bainimarama on. Comment -------------- ¶11. (C) The streets of Suva were quiet today, though nervousness abounds. The Embassy had a formal EAC meeting to reconfirm tripwires and contingency plans. Note: we hear from the Aussies that they have 12 military personnel arriving Thursday to assist with contingency planning, including evacuation scenarios. We asked the Aussies to please coordinate with our Embassy and PACOM. DINGER