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
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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
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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

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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
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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

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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
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13. (C) Datt said the United States should also try to

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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