Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07SUVA320
2007-06-13 21:05:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Suva
Cable title:  

NEW ZEALAND HIGH COMMISSIONER PNG-ED - FIJI

Tags:  PREL PGOV MARR ASEC FJ NZ 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO4752
PP RUEHNZ RUEHPB
DE RUEHSV #0320/01 1642105
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 132105Z JUN 07
FM AMEMBASSY SUVA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0112
INFO RUEHBY/AMEMBASSY CANBERRA 1711
RUEHPB/AMEMBASSY PORT MORESBY 1282
RUEHWL/AMEMBASSY WELLINGTON 1479
RUEHNZ/AMCONSUL AUCKLAND 0456
RUEHDN/AMCONSUL SYDNEY 0863
RHHJJAA/JICPAC HONOLULU HI
RHMFIUU/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 SUVA 000320 

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR ASEC FJ NZ
SUBJECT: NEW ZEALAND HIGH COMMISSIONER PNG-ED - FIJI
REACTION

REF: SUVA 313

Summary
-------
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 SUVA 000320

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR ASEC FJ NZ
SUBJECT: NEW ZEALAND HIGH COMMISSIONER PNG-ED - FIJI
REACTION

REF: SUVA 313

Summary
--------------

1. (SBU) In a statement issued late June 14, Fiji's Office of
the Prime Minister defended the interim government's (IG)
decison to declare Michael Green, New Zealand's High
Commissioner to Fiji, "persona non grata." The statement
claimed Green had interfered in Fiji's domestic affairs, but
gave few specifics. The statement said that Fiji-New Zealand
relations have been strained since the December military
takeover, that Fiji's representative in Wellington had been
"snubbed" by NZ authorities, and that Green's "attitude" had
not helped the situation. The PM's office insisted that the
decision should not impact Fiji's relations with other
countries. Initial reaction from non IG-sources in Fiji has
been strongly negative. Leading Fiji human rights activist
Shamima Ali said the action shows that the interim regime
will not tolerate dissenting views from any quarter, even
from diplomats. She and others urged the regime to
reconsider. End summary.

PM's Office Defends PNG Decision
--------------

2. (U) Several hours after the government of New Zealand
announced that New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji Michael
Green had been declared "persona non grata" by Fiji's interim
governent (IG),Fiji's Office of the Prime Minister issued a
statement defending the decision. The statement reads: "It
is with deep regret and reluctance that the Government of the
Republic of Fiji Islands have come to the decision to issue
Persona Non-Grata to H.E. Michael Green. The practice of
quiet diplomacy was foremost (sic) given all the chances to
prevail by Fiji authorities in our efforts to seek
understanding of H.E. Mr. Green to stop interfering in Fiji's
domestic affairs given our status as a sovereign nation."
"At official level, the (Fiji-NZ) relationship has remained
somewhat strained since 5th December, despite best of efforts
on part of Fiji to re-engage with New Zealand. Our High
Commissioner in Wellington has continuously been snubbed by
the New Zealand Government authorities. The attitude of his
counterpart here in Fiji H.E. Mr Green has done little to
help the situation." "Government deeply regrets this action,
but in the circumstances it has had little choice."


3. (U) The statement ends by insisting that this action
should not have any impact on Fiji's relations with other
countries. "It is the considered view of Government that
this is purely a bilateral matter between Fiji and New
Zealand and it in no way should have implications on Fiji's
bilateral relations with other countries, including its
commitments and obligations to the International Community as
well as the Pacific Island Forum."

Action Against NZ High Commissioner Dominates Fiji Media
-------------- --------------

4. (SBU) The early afternoon announcement from New Zealand
about the IG's decision dominated Fiji's airwaves June 14.
Television, radio and websites highlighted New Zealand FM
Peters' statement that the government of New Zealand deplores
this action by Fiji's interim regime and that there are
likely to be serious consequences for all of Fiji's
international relationships, including with the Pacific
Island nations, Australia, the United States and the EU.
Peters said the NZ government would undertake a full review
of aspects of its relationship with Fiji, but that it did not
plan to PNG Fiji's High Commissioner to New Zealand. All
media outlets reported statements by PM Clark that NZ had
tried to convince the interim governent to "pull back" from
this decision over the last several days, to no avail, and
that the action was "a giant step backward."

Initial Reaction Harshly Negative
--------------

5. (SBU) Comments from non-IG sources in Fiji have been
strongly negative so far. Deposed PM Qarase called the
decision "immature." Former opposition leader Mick Beddoes
said the IG's reasoning for the move, which he interpreted to
be Green's extensive contacts with former members of
Parliament and opposition figures, was "absurd." "This is
definitely not something I would classify as a smart move,"
he said. The National Federation Party expressed concern
about the hardship NZ retaliatory measures could impose on
Fiji citizens who regularly travel to, or have relatives in

SUVA 00000320 002 OF 002


New Zealand. He asked the IG to reconsider its stance.
Leading activist Shamima Ali, head of the Fiji Women's Crisis
Center, said the action reflected the fact that "even
diplomats are not at liberty to express an opinion that shows
any opposition to the interim regime." It is very
unfortunate, she went on, that someone like Green with a deep
understanding of Fiji should be asked to leave. She urged
the IG to reconsider.









DINGER