CODEL PAYNE'S MEETINGS IN FIJI WITH INTERIM FM,

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 04 SUVA 000353 SIPDIS SIPDIS H FOR DIANE RICH E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/10/2017 TAGS: PGOV PREL MARR OVIP FJ SUBJECT: CODEL PAYNE'S MEETINGS IN FIJI WITH INTERIM FM, DEPOSED MPS Classified By: Amb. Dinger. Sec 1.4 (B,D) Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) Congressmen Donald Payne (D, NJ),David Dreier (R, CA) and James Moran (D, VA) completed a short but very productive visit to Fiji July 8-9. Interim Foreign Minister Nailatikau told the congressmen in a rambling and somewhat incoherent presentation that the December 2006 coup in Fiji took place because of broken promises, personality clashes, and internal politics that date back to the 2000 coup. The 2006 coup, he said, was unlike previous coups in that its goal is to "bring people together" instead of asserting the supremacy of one ethnic group over another. While the Interim Government (IG) hopes to hold elections by early 2009, the actual date of the elections depends on completing a number of key tasks, such as finishing the census. redrawing boundaries, and completing a voter election campaign. The Congressmen told Nailatikau that the Fiji coup, like all undemocratic takeovers of government, is having a disastrous impact on political reconciliation and the economy. The only way to provide relief for the people of Fiji is to get back on the road to democracy as soon as possible. The Congressmen expressed concern that the IG seems unwilling to commit firmly to a "date certain" for elections. They also raised serious concern about human rights abuses. ¶2. (C) In contrast to the interim FM's presentation, a group of deposed members of Parliament offered gripping descriptions of the intense harm caused by the coup to democratic institutions and race relations in Fiji. Some MPs detailed their personal experiences at the hands of the military, including instances of intimidation and physical beatings. They said unhappiness in the ethnic-Fijian community is intense, and dissatisfaction in the Indo-Fijian community is growing rapidly. Some predicted an ethnic Fijian "explosion" could take place. Ethnic-Fijians involved in abuses would be first targets, but Indo-Fijians might also be among the victims. All the deposed MPs asked the U.S. to keep up pressure on the interim regime. Several urged new U.S. sanctions on the IG, particularly to end support for all Fiji peacekeeping operations around the world. At the conclusion of their visit, the Congressmen issued a press release describing deep concern about the coup and its after-effects. The Congressmen said they were disturbed by Nailitikau's suggestion that elections might be delayed past early 2009. They called on the IG to move toward elections as early as possible. Commander Bainimarama reacted angrily to the press statement, saying the U.S. Ambassador had misled the Congressmen about the real situation in Fiji. End Summary. Meeting with Interim Foreign Minister -------------- ¶3. (C) Congressman Payne began the meeting by describing the goals and mission of the House Democracy Assistance Commission and its role in working with legislatures throughout the world to promote democracy. While democracy is taking root in more and more countries across the globe, it is of great concern that Fiji has taken a step backward. Congressman Payne asked Nailatikau to explain why the military decided to overthrow a democratically-elected government and to describe how the interim government intends to get Fiji back on track toward democracy. 2006 coup relates to 2000 -------------- ¶4. (C) Nailatikau responded that the military takeover of last December could only be understood by reviewing events related to the 2000 coup. He launched into a long discussion of the political intrigues of the post-coup period, focusing on meetings among then-interim PM Qarase, Commodore Bainimarama, Nailatikau and others, and an alleged failed power play led by Fijian nationalist Adi Samanumu Cakobau (a rival of Nailatikau to become High Chief of the Kabuna Confederacy). Nailatikau said Qarase failed to fulfill commitments he made to Bainimarama and others after the 2000 coup. Nailatikau acknowledged that, after the 2006 elections, Qarase's multi-party cabinet functioned well. It SUVA 00000353 002 OF 004 was a positive step. However, Qarase again brought 2000-coup sympathizers into his government and never vigorously pursued justice against coup participants. Indeed, Qarase went so far as to name Adi Samanumu as a Minister in the PM's Office after the 2006 election - a direct rebuke to Commander Bainimarama. By appointing a variety of high chiefs to his Cabinet, "the vultures were gathering," and Bainimarama knew it. This coup is different, inclusive -------------- ¶5. (C) Congressman Dreier noted the "huge shifts" to democracy in the world, making Fiji's coup a "retrograde step." He described the Fiji situation as "troubling for us" and asked what comes next. Nailatikau responded that he too was very concerned. But this coup, he insisted, is different from previous coups. The aim of earlier coups was to assert the political supremacy of ethnic Fijians over Indo-Fijians. The 2006 coup was aimed at "bringing people together." He suggested the alternative is "back to square one" which would be "the worst outcome." He later noted that the youth of Fiji are watching and they need to see "inclusiveness" emphasized. Early 2009 elections remain "in principle" -------------- ¶6. (C) Turning to prospects for new elections, Nailatikau said the interim government has agreed "in principle" to hold elections in early 2009; but the date "is contingent upon certain things happening." Conditions include conducting a census, drawing new election boundaries, developing a code of conduct for candidates, and a voter-education campaign. Congressmen Dreier and Payne said they were disturbed by Nailatikau's statements and the IG's failure to set a "date certain," which suggest that the IG is not truly committed to elections. Drier urged the IG to "move strongly and unwaveringly to early elections." When Nailatikau again noted uncertainties that might necessitate delays, Drier made clear again the need for "a date certain and a firm commitment." Concerns about thugs -------------- ¶7. (C) Congressman Moran raised the numerous reports of human rights violations since the coup. By all accounts, a number of military officers, including the third ranking officer (Col. Driti),had acted like "thugs," beating up and intimidating those who disagree with their actions. Moran noted that Driti has recently been nominated to be Fiji's High Commissioner to Malaysia. Moran said the interim government claims it is trying to be accountable; but if a thug like this is rewarded for his actions, the IG loses all credibility. Interim FM Nailatikau thanked the Congressman for his blunt observation, and said he would report it to the Commodore. The meeting concluded with Congressman Payne stressing again the need for early elections. He said it would be "disastrous" to delay beyond early 2009. Dinner With Deposed MPs -------------- ¶8. (C) The delegation met with eight former MPs to discuss the current situation in Fiji and prospects for a return to democratic rule. The MPs were Ted Young, Samisoni Tikoinasau, Ratu Meli Saukuru, and Ilaitia Tuisese of the SDL party; Krishna Datt, Dr. Gunasagaren Gounder, and Perumal Mupnar of the Fiji Labor Party (FLP),and Mick Beddoes of the United People's Party (UPP). The deposed MPs, despite their very different political persuasions, were united in their opposition to the coup and anxious to see a rapid return to democracy. Several described their personal experiences related to the coup in gripping terms, for example when the SDL's Ted Young described in vivid detail his experiences at the army camp, including a recent beating inflicted by RFMF Land Force Commander Driti. Fijian discontent could "explode" -------------- ¶9. (C) One theme that ran throughout the discussion is a simmering discontent about the current state of affairs among SUVA 00000353 003 OF 004 the peoples of Fiji. Young said unhappiness in the indigenous Fijian community has nearly reached the boiling point. An "explosion" could take place that would tear Fiji apart. While "friends and family" (ethnic-Fijians directly associated with the interim government and the military's intimidation campaign) would be the first targets of this explosion, Indo-Fijians, seen by many in the indigenous community as supporting the coup, could also be targeted. Young and his SDL colleagues said PM Qarase and the SDL are urging restraint among their constituents and insisting on the rule of law; but keeping the lid on won't be easy, especially as the economy continues to deteriorate. Samisoni Tikoinasau (Sam Speight, Jr.) told the Congressmen that he, as the brother of 2000 coup leader George Speight, knows better than anyone how important it is to adhere to the rule of law. His brother learned that lesson the hard way. Indo-Fijians unhappy, too -------------- ¶10. (C) Krishna Datt and his FLP colleagues said the perception of Indo-Fijian support for the coup reflects the fact that FLP leader Chaudhry and a number of other prominent Indians joined the interim government. In fact, however, most Indo-Fijians are very disturbed by the coup. The Labor Party was built on the principles of democracy, human rights, and social justice. Those ideals are being torn apart by the current leadership of the Labor Party. Datt said he had publicly announced on national TV earlier July 8 that he had resigned from the FLP. Datt and the other FLP participants said that Indo-Fijians, the victims of the three earlier coups, were also the victims of the current state of affairs, through the deteriorating economy and possible loss of sugar aid funds from the international community. The FLP's Mupnar said the economic situation is so dire in the sugar belt of Fiji that there is real concern people might starve. Skepticism re elections; need for international pressure -------------- -------------- ¶11. (C) Every MP present said they are very skeptical about Bainimarama and the IG's intentions in the months and years ahead. While the IG has agreed to elections "in principle" by 2009, there is every reason to believe that Bainimarama and the IG won't hold up their end of the bargain. Beddoes noted that Bainimarama has recently suggested the military might need to stay in power until 2020 to accomplish all of its goals. He added that he knows "for a fact" that Bainimarama promised at least 5 years in power to those who joined the IG. Beddoes, Datt, and Young all stressed that only the international community has the leverage needed to force the IG to move toward democracy. They urged the international community, and particularly the United States to keep ratcheting up pressure. MPs urge U.S. to oppose all Fiji PKO deployments -------------- --- ¶12. (C) Young, Datt and Beddoes suggested that, up until now, the United States has not done enough to pressure the IG. They particularly referred to Fiji's continued participation in UN peacekeeping operations. In response, Amb. Dinger reviewed the steps the United States has taken, including a cut off in all military assistance, visa sanctions on coup leaders and supporters, and opposition to Fiji participation in future peacekeeping missions, including the Coalition of the Willing in Iraq. Young and Datt urged the United States to use its influence to have all Fiji peacekeepers withdrawn from Iraq (where they are part of the United Nations Assistance Mission),the Sinai, and other locations throughout the world. That would truly get the military's attention. Young noted reports that the Fiji military is sending many soldiers who have engaged in human-rights abuses on PKO deployments to keep them away from justice. He urged the U.S. to help shut that practice down. Amb. Dinger noted that U.S. visa sanctions against the military need specific names and allegations, which to date have often been lacking. Pressure China and India -------------- ¶13. (C) Datt said the United States should also try to SUVA 00000353 004 OF 004 pressure China and India not to step in and help this regime. Beddoes noted media have widely reported that the IG no longer feels it needs assistance from Australia, New Zealand and other countries since it believes China will provide substantial funding, reportedly up to $200 million. Congressman Payne agreed on the need to pressure China to do the right thing; but, mentioning Darfur, said that Congress has not been able to convince the U.S. Executive Branch to take the hard line needed on China. Regarding India, Amb. Dinger noted that New Delhi seems to believe its policies toward Fiji reflect the wishes of the Indo-Fijian community. If Indo-Fijians oppose the interim regime, Indo-Fijian leaders should be making that clear to India. Datt acknowledged the point, noting that thus far only Mr. Chaudhry has been heard. Keep the EU in line, too -------------- ¶14. (C) Beddoes raised Mr. Chaudhry's claim that the European Development Bank (EDB) has expressed interest in helping the post-coup sugar industry. He urged the U.S. to pressure the EU to be firm. (Note: We have since heard from the UK High Commission in Suva that discussions with the EDB were a couple years ago (pre-coup). There have been no recent conversations at all. The UK High Commission believes all EU-related entities are of one mind on the need to keep pressure on.) A refreshing opportunity for discourse -------------- ¶15. (C) Beddoes concluded the dinner by thanking the Congressmen for giving the deposed MPs an opportunity to air their views. This was the first time they had been given an opportunity speak together since the coup about the disastrous effects the interim regime is having on Fiji. The dire situation MPs described, he said, "is the way things really are in Fiji." The Congressmen said they would share the views expressed by the former MPs with colleagues and explore ways Washington can further speed the return of democracy to Fiji. Commodore Bainimarama says Congressmen were "Misled" -------------- -------------- ¶16. (U) At the conclusion of their visit, Congressmen Payne, Dreier, and Moran issued a press statement noting their deep concern about the coup and its after-effects. They urged the interim government to move toward elections at the earliest possible time, and said they were disturbed that interim FM Nailatikau has suggested that elections might be delayed past early 2009 if certain contingencies are not met. They decried human-rights violations and urged that the interim regime prevent any recurrence. Commodore Bainimarama reacted negatively to the press statement, telling reporters on July 11 that Amb. Dinger had misled the delegation, which had not grasped the "real situation" in Fiji. Comment -------------- ¶17. (C) It goes without saying that the Congressmen's judgments reflected their own considered analysis after hearing a range of views. The visit was extremely productive and offered the interim government opportunity to hear Congressional confirmation of the U.S. belief that it is crucial for Fiji's future to return as quickly as possible to a democratic path. ¶18. (U) CODEL Payne did not have opportunity to clear this cable before departure. DINGER