Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06SUVA466
2006-11-01 00:04:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Suva
Cable title:  

FIJI MILITARY GRABS AMMO FROM WHARF; PM ADDRESSES

Tags:  PREL MARR CASC ASEC FJ 
pdf how-to read a cable
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FM AMEMBASSY SUVA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3394
INFO RHHJJAA/JICPAC HONOLULU HI IMMEDIATE
RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL IMMEDIATE
RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI IMMEDIATE
RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD PRIORITY 0052
RUEHBY/AMEMBASSY CANBERRA PRIORITY 1330
RUEHPB/AMEMBASSY PORT MORESBY PRIORITY 0931
RUEHWL/AMEMBASSY WELLINGTON PRIORITY 1116
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
-------
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