CHOGM calls for inclusive political dialogue in Fiji

[posted 30 Nov2009,1330]

The Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) 2009 meeting has called for “credible, inclusive and time bound political dialogue” towards the restoration of constitutional democracy in Fiji.

In its final communiqué issued at the end of its three-day meeting in Trinidad, the Commonwealth Heads of Government expressed “deep concern’ at the further deterioration of the situation in Fiji and fully endorsed the earlier call by CMAG for the restoration of constitutional civilian democracy without delay.

Chogm has called for the immediate rescission of the Public Emergency Regulations (PER) and for protection of fundamental human rights.

It went on to reaffirm the Commonwealth’s decision to remain engaged with Fiji in support of any good faith efforts towards the restoration of democratic rule.

On Fiji’s participation in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi CHOGM affirmed that Commonwealth’s sporting ties were inseparable from the values of the association and a shared commitment to fundamental values. It endorsed CMAG’s position that countries suspended from the Commonwealth should be ineligible to participate in Commonwealth sporting events.

CHOGM’s full statement on Fiji extracted from the final Communique is reproduced below:

8. "Heads expressed deep concern at the further deterioration of the situation in Fiji Islands with regard to its adherence to fundamental Commonwealth values, including the abrogation of the Constitution in April 2009, ongoing restrictions on human rights including freedom of speech and assembly, and the Interim Government’s decision to further delay elections until 2014. They noted that these actions had led to the full suspension of Fiji from the Commonwealth on 1 September 2009.

9. Heads fully endorsed CMAG's call for the Interim Government of Fiji to commit itself to a credible, inclusive and time-bound political dialogue towards the restoration of constitutional civilian democracy without further delay, and for the protection of fundamental human rights, including the immediate rescission of the Public Emergency Regulation. They reaffirmed their willingness to remain engaged with Fiji in support of any good faith efforts toward this end, in accordance with fundamental Commonwealth principles.

10. Heads noted the decision by the Commonwealth Games Federation to exclude Fiji from participation in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, as a consequence of Fiji‟s suspension from Commonwealth membership. In this context, Heads observed that Commonwealth sporting events represent a significant public demonstration of the unity of the Commonwealth as a family of members with a shared commitment to fundamental values. They affirmed that sporting ties under the Commonwealth name are inseparable from the values of the association, and endorsed the position consistently taken by CMAG that those countries under full suspension from the Commonwealth should, inter alia, be ineligible to participate in Commonwealth sporting events.".