Ioane Burese
SUVA: A United States official has expressed hope in more direct engagement with Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama to restore democracy and freedom that will allow movement toward normalisation of Fiji's relations with other regional countries.
In a testimony before the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment, Kurt Campbell, the Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs said this engagement would spotlight the potential benefits of positive political steps, while reinforcing the message that any easing of US sanctions would be tied to the restoration of democratic processes.
"Our objective is to put Fiji back on track for reintegration into international institutions and for holding free and fair elections no later than 2014," he said.
"By taking credible steps towards an increased civilian role in government and other democratic reforms, the regime could build confidence, in accordance with agreed upon benchmarks and timelines, that would lead towards the restoration of Fiji's former international role and stature."
Campbell said the current state of affairs in Fiji was a matter of ongoing concern.
"Traditionally, Fiji has been a close and valued friend and partner in the region, as well as a leading voice for Pacific Island democracy.
"Fiji also has a long history of contributing troops to multilateral peacekeeping missions, was quick to condemn the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States, and has been a staunch supporter of our efforts to build an international coalition against global terrorism."
"Fiji's exclusion from the Pacific Island Forum since 2009 has detracted from progress on important regional issues," he said.
He said the government had not taken any credible steps to restore democratic institutions.
"After breaking a promise to hold elections in 2009, they now promise to begin work in 2012 to craft a new constitution and hold elections in 2014.
He said the US was seeking "an open, inclusive, and transparent process for free and fair elections, the re-establishment of an independent judiciary, and an end to media crackdowns and other limits on civil liberties". - The Fiji Times/Pacific Media Watch
Pacific Media Watch
