FLP Defends Talanoa Dialogue

[posted 28 Sept 2004, 13:00]

16 August 2004

MEDIA RELEASE

FLP stands-by 'Talanoa' Dialogue

The Fiji Labour Party has labeled the remarks of Dr. Brij Lal of the Australian National University as being unfair and an ill-conceived attack on the Talanoa Dialogue.

In a statement today, FLP's National President and member of the Talanoa Committee rejected Dr. Lal's bitter attack on the Talanoa process. Senator Jokapeci Koroi said that Dr Lal's indiscriminate criticism of the Talanoa Dialogue was most unfortunate and unbecoming.

"It is indeed appalling to observe the desperation of the man" said Senator Koroi. His statements that Talanoa dialogue was a 'joke' was motivated by his political beliefs and possibly reflects academic jealousy on the achievements of Dr. Halapua of the East West Centre.

In a country which is short of platforms for dialogue between various Parties, the 'talanoa' talks has done much for reconciliation and for developing consensus on major issues facing this country. For Dr Lal's information it was the Talanoa Dialogue which has helped find a way forward on resolving the Land issues and more recently bringing divergent views of the FLP and SDL on Sugar, to a common understanding. On both these important issues the dialogue is progressing well. I also recommend to Dr Brij Lal to read some of the reports of Talanoa sub-committees on Land, Sugar and their reports on UNCERD report, to build a harmonious Fiji. It is a real pity that some one of the calibre of Dr Brij Lal should label a genuine effort of others to work together as a 'tamasha.'

On his comments that the way forward for the party was to establish contacts with the Fiji groups and individuals that share a common vision and commitment to welfare of all, Senator Koroi said, there is no problem with Fiji people meeting together for the welfare of Fiji. It does not have to necessarily be people of common vision. The groups and individuals should come from all shades and opinions, holding a variety of visions but discussing and talking together to develop a common vision.

What we need in Fiji is not a collection of 'yes men' to develop a vision. We need people who have diverse views but are prepared to give and take to develop a common vision. What usually happens in Fiji is that people surround themselves with a whole lot of 'yes men' under the guise of a group sharing a common vision.

We have to be careful about developing this kind of 'yes men' culture. Dialogue and discussion is the only sane way forward. If that is what Dr Lal means, we have no problem but we want to watch carefully on who is coming to dialogue and what are the persons private agendas as well as what is the dialogue about. Will it advance the cause of nation building and unity or will it cause dissatisfaction and disunity.