Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09SUVA277
2009-07-01 05:36:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Suva
Cable title:
FIJI ROADMAP TO DEMOCRACY LEADS NOWHERE
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UNCLAS SUVA 000277
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
PLEASE PASS TO EAP PDAS MARCIEL
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PINR AMGT FJ
SUBJECT: FIJI ROADMAP TO DEMOCRACY LEADS NOWHERE
REF: Suva 61
UNCLAS SUVA 000277
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
PLEASE PASS TO EAP PDAS MARCIEL
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PINR AMGT FJ
SUBJECT: FIJI ROADMAP TO DEMOCRACY LEADS NOWHERE
REF: Suva 61
1. (U) On July 1, Fiji strongman Bainimarama gave a national
address entitled "Fiji's Strategic Framework for Change" (text
provided septel). Bainimarama outlined his regime's plans to
establish a new constitution for Fiji by September 2013 and to lead
the country to "true democratic, non-communal, equal suffrage-based"
parliamentary elections in September 2014. Bainimarama noted that
he would continue Fiji's Public Emergency Regulations (curbing
speech and press freedoms and prohibiting political assembly) and
gave no indication when they would be lifted. Bainimarama promised
to begin an "extensive" and "candid" conversation with all
stakeholders regarding Fiji's future constitution -- but not until
September 2012. Until then, the government would focus on Fiji's
economy.
2. (SBU) In response to Bainimarama's roadmap announcement, the
Embassy suggests the following press guidance for use by the
Department spokesperson:
Begin Text:
-- The United States recognizes the desire for political reform in
Fiji and supports any progress that hastens Fiji's return to a
constitution and free elections.
-- The Roadmap falls short of that goal. It delays the process
leading to elections and is imposed without the true participation
or consent of the Fijian people.
End Text.
3. (SBU) COMMENT: The Roadmap confirms that Bainimarama plans to
hold onto power for as long as possible. We will continue our
policy (reftel) of engaging with all Fijian parties to promote
genuine dialogue expediting Fiji's return to democracy.
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
PLEASE PASS TO EAP PDAS MARCIEL
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PINR AMGT FJ
SUBJECT: FIJI ROADMAP TO DEMOCRACY LEADS NOWHERE
REF: Suva 61
1. (U) On July 1, Fiji strongman Bainimarama gave a national
address entitled "Fiji's Strategic Framework for Change" (text
provided septel). Bainimarama outlined his regime's plans to
establish a new constitution for Fiji by September 2013 and to lead
the country to "true democratic, non-communal, equal suffrage-based"
parliamentary elections in September 2014. Bainimarama noted that
he would continue Fiji's Public Emergency Regulations (curbing
speech and press freedoms and prohibiting political assembly) and
gave no indication when they would be lifted. Bainimarama promised
to begin an "extensive" and "candid" conversation with all
stakeholders regarding Fiji's future constitution -- but not until
September 2012. Until then, the government would focus on Fiji's
economy.
2. (SBU) In response to Bainimarama's roadmap announcement, the
Embassy suggests the following press guidance for use by the
Department spokesperson:
Begin Text:
-- The United States recognizes the desire for political reform in
Fiji and supports any progress that hastens Fiji's return to a
constitution and free elections.
-- The Roadmap falls short of that goal. It delays the process
leading to elections and is imposed without the true participation
or consent of the Fijian people.
End Text.
3. (SBU) COMMENT: The Roadmap confirms that Bainimarama plans to
hold onto power for as long as possible. We will continue our
policy (reftel) of engaging with all Fijian parties to promote
genuine dialogue expediting Fiji's return to democracy.