Bainimarama wins over Melanesian countries - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Bainimarama wins over Melanesian countries

By Sean Dorney in Port Vila

The leaders of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu have given their f.ull backing to an attempt to have Fiji's suspension from the Pacific Islands Forum lifted. Fiji's military leader Frank Bainimarama secured their support at a meeting in Port Vila. At a news conference the chairman of the group, Vanuatu's Prime Minister Edward Natapei, said the leaders praised Commodore Bainimarama's strategic framework for change for Fiji as reflecting a clear vision to achieve sustainable democracy.

That strategic framework would see Commodore Bainimarama stay in power for at least another five years without elections. Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare, said he had been convinced that some of Commodore Bainimarama's plans were good for Fiji.The Melanesian countries say they will take Fiji's case for withdrawing its suspension from the Pacific Islands Forum to next month's leaders' meeting in Cairns.

COMMENT: It would seem that for all their well-meaning diplomacy and aid, Australian and New Zealand politicians (and, presumably, their advisers) have a lot to learn about their Pacific neighours. The Melanesian Spearhead Group decision does not bode well for the health of the PI Forum, unless Australia and New Zealand are prepared to back down. For the record, the population of the MSG totals about 7.5 millon; that of other Island Forum members well under one million; Australia 21 million and NZ 4 million.

POSTSCRIPT. Coupfourpointfive reports: "The president of the Australian-based Fiji Democracy Movement, Usaia Waqatairewa, says the people of Fiji feel betrayed by the Melanesian leaders' failure to stand up for them." With such a bold claim, we are entitled to ask: Which people? How does he know? Who does his organization represent? How can be proclaim to represent the people of Fiji? My reading of the situation is that the country is deeply divided, and within this broad division there are several groups of opinions on desired outcomes. More than one of them will welcome the Melanesian leaders' decision.