Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has sent a strong statement out to Australian and New Zealand governments.
While opening the joint Australia and New Zealand – Fiji Business Council’s conference, Bainimarama says these two governments should respect the laws in Fiji.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarma did not mince his words as he showed great disappointment of Fiji’s position on the events of the past week that have produced a hiccup in diplomatic relations with the two countries.
The Prime Minister says more work needs to be done in the interests of the wider relationship and future cooperation.
Bainimarama will also be giving Australian Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull a message when they meet in New York.
“There is – to put it bluntly – a great deal of room for improvement in the quality of the relationships between our countries. We all know that New Zealand and Australia did a great deal after the events of 2006 to damage Fiji. From our perspective, we believe both countries fundamentally failed to grasp the reasons why we needed radical intervention to finally produce a level playing field for all Fijians and create a strong foundation for our economy”.
The Prime Minister said that Fiji has delivered on its promise to return Fiji to a parliamentary rule.
” You may have noticed the other day John Key saying that he hoped the Fijian Government wasn’t going to be quote – silly – about enforcing the provisions of our Public Order Act. With due respect to my Honourable Friend, I don’t think “silly” was the appropriate word to use in the circumstances. Just as I don’t think it was appropriate for him to say last year that I was, quote, “mouthing off” about the Pacific Islands Forum, Being “silly” or “mouthing off” is what a parent might say about a wayward child or a teacher might say about a problem student. It doesn’t suggest a relationship of equals. On the contrary, it carries a distinct tone of superiority. Some might even call it patronising or condescending. But I certainly don’t think it shows appropriate respect for a sovereign nation and a democratically elected leader who is acting in the best interests of the Fijian people and Fijian economy”
However Bainiamrama says that he has a great deal of affection for Kiwis and Aussies and appreciates their down to earth natures.
” In common with most Fijians, I have a great deal of affection for Kiwis and Aussies as people. I appreciate their down-to-earth, unpretentious natures; their irreverent sense of humour; and especially their eagerness to come to the help of their mates when they are in trouble.In common with other Fijians, I will never forget the way New Zealand and Australia responded so quickly and so generously to our desperate need after Tropical Cyclone Winston struck these islands seven months ago. We are neighbors and friends and always will be. But we must work harder to align our sometimes testy political and diplomatic relationship more closely with the warm personal and vibrant commercial ties we share as people”.