The recent visit of Foreign Minister Murray McCully to Fiji could begin a new chapter in bilateral ties with that South Pacific nation, if the statements made by him lead to a softening attitude in political terms.
His recent visit to Fiji to attend a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Pacific Island Forum was timely and appropriate (Read related stories under Fijilink).
Many countries of the West and those of the Forum have been critical of Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama since he staged a coup and seized power on December 5, 2006. Australia and New Zealand have been particularly acrimonious of his intention to cleanse his country of discrimination, racism and corruption. The sanctions imposed by them on the military regime have not had much impact on the overall economy of Fiji, although the ban (which still exists) on the travel of anyone connected with the government has kept away even sportspersons from participating in games held on either side of the Tasman.
The rhetoric coming from Wellington and Canberra has been largely ignored by Suva, save for retorts and equally damaging war of words. Mr Bainimarama has stuck to his guns (pardon the pun), stating that the process of constitutional reforms would be completed before elections are held in 2014 to restore democracy and an elected Parliament.
Mr McCully, like many others, would have realised by now that any move to force the hands of Mr Bainimarama in bringing the election forward would not work and that the only alternative is to accept reality and see how best New Zealand can cooperate with Fiji in ensuring a fair and free election process.
The fact that Indo-Fijians and other minority groups in Fiji have had to endure discrimination for more than 130 years should be held in perspective. Impartial analysts and political observers would agree that Mr Bainimarama stands for equality of citizenship and a fair deal to all Fijians in their homeland.
Mr Bainimarama announced in January that martial law would be lifted and that consultations on a new constitution would begin in February. Commonwealth Secretary General Kamlesh Sharma, in welcoming the announcement, said that lifting public-emergency regulations and holding fresh elections were overdue.
Australia’s Prime Minister Julia Gillard described it a ‘first step.’
Businesspersons in Fiji, a majority of them of Indo-Fijian origin, have not complained of any ‘abnormalities’ in their country. To them, it is ‘business as usual,’ a strong indication that much of what is said, heard and soon in the media outside Fiji could be either exaggerated or divorced from facts.
Economic performance also indicates sanctions imposed by Australia and New Zealand has not worked, at least to the extent they were expected. After a severe slump between 2007 and 2009 the economy has fared better, helped by an inflow of tourists from Australia and New Zealand to Fiji’s sun-soaked resorts, ignoring the ‘warnings’ of the respective governments.
Soft loans from Beijing have financed key infrastructure projects, helping to position Chinese companies for expansion into other sectors, including bauxite mining. Concerned about a loss of regional influence, Australia relaxed its tough stance towards the island-state, announcing that it would double bilateral aid, to A$36 million in 2013-14. Most of the money will go towards health, education and helping to alleviate poverty.
Mr McCully has had the benefit of firsthand experience in Fiji. Now is the opportune moment to consider an inclusive relationship with that country, rather than maintaining a confrontational approach.
In today’s troubled world, there is a need to maintain friendly ties with neighbours, for, history has shown that conflicts are often bred by suspicion and tension, leading to buildings of arms and avoidable spending on defense. Neither New Zealand nor Fiji could afford such a parade of explosive events.
The John Key government should do what Helen Clark and her coalition government failed to do – extend an olive branch to Fiji, accept the uniqueness of that country’s polity and strengthen the democratic process.
Mr Bainimarama, it seems, would accept a hand of friendship, rather than a fist of warning.
