Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09WELLINGTON95
2009-04-15 04:52:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Wellington
Cable title:
NEW ZEALAND MFAT BRIEFS ON FIJI'S "BLEAK" SITUATION
how-toVZCZCXRO9919 PP RUEHPB DE RUEHWL #0095 1050452 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 150452Z APR 09 FM AMEMBASSY WELLINGTON TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5830 INFO RUEHBS/AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS PRIORITY 0083 RUEHBY/AMEMBASSY CANBERRA PRIORITY 5491 RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON PRIORITY 0224 RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS PRIORITY 0341 RUEHPB/AMEMBASSY PORT MORESBY PRIORITY 0840 RUEHSV/AMEMBASSY SUVA PRIORITY 0857 RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RHHMUNA/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI PRIORITY RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS PRIORITY
UNCLAS WELLINGTON 000095
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL FJ NZ
SUBJECT: NEW ZEALAND MFAT BRIEFS ON FIJI'S "BLEAK" SITUATION
UNCLAS WELLINGTON 000095
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL FJ NZ
SUBJECT: NEW ZEALAND MFAT BRIEFS ON FIJI'S "BLEAK" SITUATION
1. (SBU) Deputy Secretary Chris Seed invited resident
chiefs of mission to New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and Trade (MFAT) for an update on developments in Fiji. After
reviewing recent developments, Seed concluded that "these
actions demonstrate that Commodore Bainimarama has no
intention of restoring Fiji to democracy." His five year
timeframe for elections is simply intended to push any
restoration of democracy into "the far distant future." No
longer could Bainimarama's regime be referred to as "an
interim government;" it was simply "a military supported
regime." Fiji's suspension from the Pacific Island Forum
(PIF) and the Commonwealth was now inevitable. Fiji's future,
he said, is "bleak."
2. (SBU) PIF Secretary General Slade and leaders, including
New Zealand Foreign Minister McCully, were currently
consulting among themselves about next steps. One option
being discussed was suspending Fiji before May 1. Another
topic was the role of the PIF Ministerial Contact Group after
Fiji is suspended. New Zealand considered that the group
continues to have a vital role in monitoring developments in
Fiji.
3. (SBU) FM McCully has issued two statements condemning the
abrogation of the Fiji constitution and Bainimarama's
reappointment (both emailed to EAP/ANP). New Zealand is
consulting with the PIF, the Commonwealth, and other
international partners about additional steps to maintain
pressure on Fiji to move toward democracy, although Seed
conceded that there appeared to be few additional steps
available. The GNZ would extend its travel sanctions to
President Iloilo because of his role in suspending the
constitution and reappointing Bainimarama. It would, however,
continue its NZD 5 million assistance program because it
"supports ordinary people." For the same reason it would
avoid any trade sanctions.
4. (SBU) In response to questions, Seed said that New
Zealand would not urge travelers to avoid Fiji, simply to
exercise caution. He said that was no credible evidence that
the Fiji military was close to splitting. He acknowledged
that New Zealand is concerned about PIF solidarity and is
trying to assess how serious the problem might be.
KEEGAN
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL FJ NZ
SUBJECT: NEW ZEALAND MFAT BRIEFS ON FIJI'S "BLEAK" SITUATION
1. (SBU) Deputy Secretary Chris Seed invited resident
chiefs of mission to New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and Trade (MFAT) for an update on developments in Fiji. After
reviewing recent developments, Seed concluded that "these
actions demonstrate that Commodore Bainimarama has no
intention of restoring Fiji to democracy." His five year
timeframe for elections is simply intended to push any
restoration of democracy into "the far distant future." No
longer could Bainimarama's regime be referred to as "an
interim government;" it was simply "a military supported
regime." Fiji's suspension from the Pacific Island Forum
(PIF) and the Commonwealth was now inevitable. Fiji's future,
he said, is "bleak."
2. (SBU) PIF Secretary General Slade and leaders, including
New Zealand Foreign Minister McCully, were currently
consulting among themselves about next steps. One option
being discussed was suspending Fiji before May 1. Another
topic was the role of the PIF Ministerial Contact Group after
Fiji is suspended. New Zealand considered that the group
continues to have a vital role in monitoring developments in
Fiji.
3. (SBU) FM McCully has issued two statements condemning the
abrogation of the Fiji constitution and Bainimarama's
reappointment (both emailed to EAP/ANP). New Zealand is
consulting with the PIF, the Commonwealth, and other
international partners about additional steps to maintain
pressure on Fiji to move toward democracy, although Seed
conceded that there appeared to be few additional steps
available. The GNZ would extend its travel sanctions to
President Iloilo because of his role in suspending the
constitution and reappointing Bainimarama. It would, however,
continue its NZD 5 million assistance program because it
"supports ordinary people." For the same reason it would
avoid any trade sanctions.
4. (SBU) In response to questions, Seed said that New
Zealand would not urge travelers to avoid Fiji, simply to
exercise caution. He said that was no credible evidence that
the Fiji military was close to splitting. He acknowledged
that New Zealand is concerned about PIF solidarity and is
trying to assess how serious the problem might be.
KEEGAN