EU sends clear message to the regime

[posted 1 Oct 2009,1700]

The Council of the European Union which last week extended its suspension of development assistance to Fiji by another six months, says this will be resumed gradually if Fiji were to fulfil its commitment to the EU.

These commitments related to the restriction of human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for democratic principles and the rule of law, and steps proposed regarding their implementation.

In its latest review of the situation in Fiji the Council noted that there had been a series of regressive developments, in particular following the events of 10 April 2009, resulting in a breach of a range of commitments the regime here had given the EU in consultation talks held in Brussels in April 2007.

The Council met in Brussels on 24 September and issued the following statement at the end of its meeting:

“Today the Council extended by six months appropriate measures for the Fiji Islands in order to assist the country’s return to democracy, the respect for human rights and the rule of law (13087/09). This decision follows the violation by the authorities of key commitments Fiji made to the EU, as well as further regressive developments such as the abrogation of the Constitution, human rights violations and a further substantial delay in holding elections.

The European Union regards the extension of the measures as a window of opportunity for a possible new political dialogue. Should these consultations result in new credible commitments from Fiji, the EU is ready to review its measures positively.

The package of measures for the the Fiji Islands had initially been adopted on 1 October 2007 for a period of two years. This marked the conclusion of consultations under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement, which were held in 2007. They came in the wake of the military takeover in Fiji on 5 December 2006, which the EU considered a violation of democracy and the rule of law, both essential elements of the Cotonou Agreement.

The appropriate measures currently in place are designed to assist the assist the Fiji Islands in the transition: the development cooperation would gradually be resumed if Fiji were to fulfil its commitments concerning human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law. As Fiji’s authorities have decided to break a number of the commitments, this has led to losses for Fiji in terms of development funds. Humanitarian aid as well as direct support to civil society are not affected by the appropriate measures.

The measures taken today will expire on 31 March 2010.”

The authorities here have been notified that the EU is prepared to engage in new formal consultation talks. However, the EU has emphasised the importance of the interim government committing itself to inclusive political dialogue and to flexibility with regard to the time frame for a roadmap to return to democracy and constitutional rule.

The EU has stressed that should new consultations result in substantial commitments from the regime, the EU may undertake an early review of the appropriate measures it has instituted. However, the EU has warned that should the situation in Fiji not improve, then further losses of development funds for Fiji are set to continue.