SAD, VERY SAD. Hillary Clinton's recent visit to Australia and New Zealand, — and her comments on a fresh engagement with Fiji — led optimists to think the US would take a lead in finding more appropriate policies on Fiji than the failed policies of Australia and New Zealand that in four years have produced no positive results. But now, with the US failure to issue three visas to Fiji officials, the forewarnings of the the pessimists have proven correct.
The Chief Justice was to have attended the 9th Session of the Assembly of States Parties at UN HQ in New York. The invitation came from the International Criminal Court.
Permanent Secretary for Fisheries Viliame Naupoto was denied entry to the US to attend an international Convention for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.
The Minister for Local Government and Environment needed a transit visa to attend the 16th UN Conference on Climate Change (COP16) in Cancun Mexico. Fiji attended the 15th Conference in Copenhagen last year that failed to lay out a concrete plan to maintain global temperature rises and legally binding reductions to CO2 emissions. High level participation and involvement of all countries and Governments including Fiji at COP16 in Cancun, Mexico was therefore crucial.
Bigger Issue : US Blocks Access to UN
The failure to issue visas to these, and other Fiji representatives, raises a larger and more general issue: how on earth did the international community allow the United Nations to be located in New York without first ensuring that UN-recognized state representatives were guaranteed freedom of access?
One must note that similar restrictions were not applied against Communist countries during the Cold War, nor are they applied against BIGGER countries with far less legitimacy and far worse civil rights issues than Fiji.
One reader observed: "This is typical of the bullying of small insignificant states that goes on hypocritically under the radar. Designed to be insulting, and another obvious interference with the Fiji judiciary."
The action (or lack of it) by the US Embassy gives the clear impression that it does not want Fiji, as a small developing country which is vulnerable to the immediate effects of climate change, to be involved in and to address issues such as climate change, global carbon trading system, rising sea levels, emission reduction and renewable energy technology transfer. These issues are of utmost importance to Fiji as an island State and Fiji, like all other countries in the world, must be allowed to raise these issues at the global level."
Fiji Vital to US National Security: Wikileaks.
There are two other related issues to consider: In most matters Fiji may be "insignificant" in US eyes but as Wikileaks recently pointed out US documents have listed Fiji’s Southern Cross undersea cable landing in Suva as vital to US national security. Fiji is one of 300 countries listed by the US as “critical infrastructure and key resources located abroad" – also known as potential terrorism targets. US State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley told CNN, "Without discussing any particular cable, the release of this kind of information gives a group like al Qaeda a targeting list."
Big Brother is Watching
Finally, another cause for reflection on the "Free World." My blog reader Global Citizen had this to say: "An entirely speculative question here, but one now wonders whether your rights under the visa waiver programme still qualify... you have, after all, and no doubt noticed by Washington, become a lobbyist for a military regime to whom they do not give visas for.... tried visiting the US recently? It is actually a serious issue - you will have been noticed and reported upon. Lobbyist for undesirable regimes is something Washington takes note of. I'd check if I were you; detention at LAX is very tedious. You might even share the facility with an Australian woman from MinFo."
I'm not a lobbyist nor do I wish to visit the USA, but Global Citizen raises a worrying question for others who may choose not to toe the mainstream line. It is always easier to swim with the current.
ACP- EU FACT-FINDING MISSION. The joint parliamentary assembly of the African, Caribbean and Pacific group and the European Union has decided to send a fact-finding mission to Fiji next year. Solomon Islands representative at the meeting, Milner Tozaka, described the mission as an important and positive engagement with Fiji because it will give ACP and EU MPs the opportunity to get first-hand information from the Fiji authorities.
19 comments:
Croz
We all live in a free world -except countries temporarily under going nowhere dictatorship like Fiji, Burma, North Korea and of course Zimbabwe - you and bhaini can choose my old mate - just like assange.....Tik Tok....Tik...Tok
Croz, you cannot throw American citizens out of any country without repercussions, especially a prominent business figure like Fiji Water's David Roth. This is a none-too-subtle message to the regime that Washington doesn't appreciate a spit in the face when it holds out an olive branch like that presented by Hilary Clinton in recent weeks. Frankly, whether you support the regime or not, it has only itself to blame. Once again, its capricious behaviour takes us two steps forward only to result in three steps back. Fiji Water had just received a State Department special commendation for its community work in Fiji. Then, its principal local officer was shown the door, allegedly for "interfering in Fiji's domestic affairs". To this day, Frank Bainimarama hasn't seen fit to explain precisely what David Roth did to incur his wrath. Nor has he explained the mysterious circumstances surrounding the resignation of his defence minister, Ratu Epeli Ganilau. The US is under attack across a broad front with the Wikileaks exposures. It is in no mood to be trifled with. The most worrying aspect of this affair is that the regime doesn't think that provoking the US matters as much as its precious national sovereignty. But mess with the world's only superpower and this is what you get. Fail to learn that lesson and this is just the start. And hiding behind the skirts of the Chinese won't help.
Croz
when next you are speaking to sharon (is she out of her hole yet?) please pass my condolences on to the wannabe CJ about his travel restrictions - we'll look after him in Naboro.
Croz,
You really need to take a hard look at the folly in your support for the illegal regime in Fiji.
The denial of visas to key regime figures simply underlines the universal abhorrence at the violation of human rights by the illegal regime. You just can't close your eyes and pretend it is not the case.
These regime thugs can't expect to be accorded full rights to travel around the globe at the expense of innocent tax payers' hard earned tax dollars, while denying Fijians the dignity to enjoy the same freedom available in democratic nations.
The US no doubt realises enough is enough and no amount of venom spewed forth from the illegal AG in Fiji can alter the universal abhorrence felt by all at the illegal regime's existence. The solution is simple, return Fiji to democracy and allow Fijians to decide who to govern them.
I am deeply saddened that you seem to be so blind to this in your wanton obsession to accord some semblance of credibility to a regime that is so tainted with the blood of its people. Their demise is nigh and all of us here in Fiji know it except them.
Croz, how can you publish US flag in such a demeaning fashion likened to that of "flag trashing" by terrorist organisations like Al-Qaida, Hamas etc. A torn and tattered US flag from a New Zealander??? Shame on you dickhead. I know you wont publish my comments on your blogsite, but you are such a lowlife, lower than a snake's belly.
FYI Croz, I have written to the legit owners of the "torn and tattered" US flag image that you published on your site. I hope this is more than enough reason for NZ govt to close your website down permanently.
Sad, Very Sad....
How very convenient you forgot to mention that in between, Fiji deported a leading American businessman, providing no evidence to support their reasons. And then imposed a punitive tax that hits only one company that is American owned.
I think this round of poor relations was started by Fiji.
You are right though it is Sad, Very Sad
I'm not a lobbyist nor do I wish to visit the USA, but Global Citizen raises a worrying question for others who may choose not to toe the mainstream line. It is always easier to swim with the current.
Now you know why everyone posting comments do not use their own names. Our Big Brother can affect our lives, our jobs, our ability to leave Fiji or come back. Our Big Brother is only too happy to intimidate us.
@ Croz
Swimming with the current - as you put it - may be easier but we must always stop to ask ourselves: Is it RIGHT? Is it JUST?
In the situation we find ourselves in we have now put up with more than twenty years of mis-governance, multiple coups d'etat, the wholesale purloining of taxpayers' money disrupting and undermining development in a small island nation, far from metropolitan developed neighbours, who, it may be said, have only attempted piecemeal solutions to any or all of these on-going problems. These piecemeal attempts have been applied intermittently in knee-jerk responses. They have in the main, failed as have the policies which gave rise to them. The taxpayers of the entire South Pacific Region deserve better than they have received: not only from their range of inhouse governments but also from the peripheral developed countries of the Pacific. The Asia Pacific region is believed and expected to be the coming global powerhouse of economic energy and drive for the remainder of the 21st century. How is it that the increasingly under-developed countries of the South Pacific region have been allowed to fall so far behind? Their women and their children so grossly disadvantaged, their human rights and their personal safety so impugned? This has endured for twenty or more years. Only now does the USAID Mission open in Fiji? Yet, back in early 1990s, Fiji did not even have a resident Ambassador from the United States? A Charge d'Affaires and, worse, the US Peace Corps withdrawn (a great error). Now, muscle is exerted to hypocritically refuse visa applications (or unduly delay their issue?) We, the people of the South Pacific who have tolerated the "On again Off again" indifference of these countries regardless of our political and economic situation - witness our crumbling, leaking courthouses, impunity in the application of our outdated law, corrupt magistrates and public officials (now amply demonstrated), will no longer remain in silence. We shall demand accountability from all those who sat by or worse pillaged our resources and failed for too long to uphold our human rights and above all our right to equitable development. Brave judges who come to minister to our courts are labelled "illegal". Who dares to tell us this? Who dares in the name of 'spurious democracy' to tell us, any of us, that we have no God-given right to seek both "Justice and the pursuit of happiness" - like any other people?
It appears that the United States of America and their allies will now seek to silence us by refusing access to the United Nations. However, we have a very trusted Ambassador there on 'in situ'. An Ambassador who has personally suffered the indignity and the humiliations referred to above. An Ambassador who knows full well to what we now aspire. We shall not be silenced indefinitely and our memories are elephantine. We shall continue to seek justice and full human rights to development and to justice for as along as it takes. Why not seek to assist in this in lieu of thwarting us? Human happiness through justice and equitable access to safety and security through sustainable development is not a luxury. It is a rightful aspiration. It is indeed a Humane Imperative.
"you have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.”
Winston Churchill
Chill everyone....for heaven's sake its only a diplomatic tit for tat that will blow over sooner or later depending on how much attention directed to it left right and centre....currently its overrated and blown out of proportion...big deal!
The US is bound to flex its muscles a bit on Fiji after the Fiji Water issue...but yeah its clearly unfair that it has to be on a representative to the UN under UN invitation.....questions the independence of the UN from US influence.
But then again what can we do....after all we're just this small speck in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with a Southern Cross cable landing and an "Opening Soon" massive embassy.....ouch! Sadly that's the harsh reality...
So...the best everyone can do is to stop adding fuel to the fire so this can blow over sooner rather than later...
Wow, Croz, I hope you're not wilting under this unprecedented wave of abuse. Talk about people in glass houses throwing stones! Joe is bordering on the certifiable.
That said, it IS odd that you didn't raise the David Roth case as a possible explanation for the US snub to Fiji. We need a detailed explanation from the regime about this whole affair or it won't be going away any time soon.
And yes, it was somewhat provocative of you to show this photo of the US flag under the circumstances. The implication is that America has been somehow damaged by banning Fiji citizens from the country. Unfortunately, it had a good reason to do so as a tit for tat measure, however unfortunate it may be for the individuals involved. A tattered Fiji flag should perhaps be added to this image. Because you're right, it's sad that an improving relationship was scuttled. The problem is that it was the PM of Fiji who scuttled it.
Well said, Islands in the Stream.
So Fiji removes a non citizen and its ok for America to retaliate by keeping Fiji from the UN and a Climate change meeting, don't you think thats just a little overkill.
It would suggest that David Roth was possibly doing work for the US government for them to act this way over an 'every day citizen of the USA'. Also you might ask yourself was it a coincidence that Obama was often seen drinking Fiji water or perhaps Roth has a close association with the US Government.
After all Australia and New Zealand deport non citizens every day, do we see America jumping to their defense by banning either country from entering the US, yes its a bit of a stretch, but for those of you on this site that are tuned in to things you can read between the lines and work it out, the others please stop commenting as you are tedious and annoying.
Fiji citizens suffer because the US wants to flex it muscle, however lets assume its not tit for tat, then what, the excuse given by the US is laughable, that they have to send papers over to Washington, then have those on the 'watch list' checked and double checked.
I tell you what it shows me that the USA are incompetent, do they honestly expect us to swallow that. Are they telling us that they don't have any information on these government officials, that the US has not being monitoring them from day one, think about it, what the hell would sending their names to Washington, i quote 'where they undergo a rigorous review by several offices and other agencies" so this is the first time they are hearing these names. Its all too funny to think about. And this is the lame excuse that America gives us and they want us to somehow feel their pain.
Wake up everyone. Start joining the dots and don't be so willing to accept this rubbish they are feeding us.
Croz, keep going, you do a great job and dont let them distract you from it.
@ USA Fools
You are right. Croz does do a good job, though sometimes he is not as balanced as he would like.
However, your statement: "After all Australia and New Zealand deport non citizens every day" is a bit reckless to say the least.
Fiji is not like "other" countries. It does not have what could be regarded as a functional government.
Other countries, like NZ and OZ have processes. They have laws and legal systems in place to safeguard the rights of the people, including the rights of those that do not belong to those states. Other countries have elected government officials, proper channels for the development of law and a right to be heard before a Court of law (usually a tribunal) to present their case as to why they should not be deported.
The military do not do any of these things.
They don't follow any laws, not even their own, when it suits them. They appoint whomever is the flavour of the month to important government positions and have banned any public debate of their actions.
They sow the seeds of their own destruction and they have created a society that consumes itself to feed itself: how many more people need to resign or be fired by this regime before we run out of candidates?
Denying this so called "representative" of Fiji a visa, for which he applied very late, is a perogative of the USA as a democratic state. To whine and complain about it, while the regime denies its own citizens basic human rights, is pathetic. If the military denied a Visa to another head of state, they would simply not go to Fiji. I doubt very much whether they would make a ridiculous song and dance about it.
Croz, the US flag looks a bit brownish now, like your tongue.
@ Radio Lucas....
It would be intriguing indeed to learn how you might describe any government of Fiji since 1987 as functional? With due and proper processes? Democratic...? That is not an apt name to apply to what existed. Democratic in what respect? Partial? all-embracing? With due respect for application of the rule of law which was not arbitrary or "made up as we go along"? We have just listened to the former President of the United States, Richard Nixon, tell the reporter and journalist David Frost(now of Al Jazeera's Frost over the World) that if a US President were to make any decision "it would not be illegal". Oh yes? Funny definition of illegal that is by even the high standards of the US Constitution. Is that not why he was termed "Tricky Dicky"? And rightly so. During the years of what one might term 'spurious democracy' in Fiji, many things were tricky - by any definition of the term you might care to apply. Yet, no one much spoke about corruption and what is more important, they did nothing whatsoever about it. Now we reap the whirlwind that is corruption: surely, we are not surprised?
@ The Whirlwind of Corruption....
With regard to the whirlwind of corruption in which Fiji has been immersed over many years, it might now be timely to ask why the local board of Transparency International in Fiji saw fit to remain silent on matters which were brought fully to their attention in the past five years: human trafficking, organised criminal enterprise (of many categories), the failure of the judicial system to address matters coming before it with integrity and expeditiously? They were requested repeatedly to ask for overseas assistance with the functioning of the Fiji Courts: with funding for an electronic court reporting system, assistance with cameras and remote television capacity for women and child victims of Crimes Against Humanity, safety and security within the court precincts not only for victims of violent crime including murder but also for judges and court officials. None of this was seriously attended to or addressed. Several members of the board resigned during this period (for various reasons). On one occasion a former local employee of TI Fiji was found abusing TI-funded hospitality in an overseas hotel. What was going on here? If members of the board of the world's foremost integrity organisation were found wanting in this way, we must ask ourselves, surely, how ordinary members of society in Fiji would be behaving? Corruption is insidious and Conflicts of Interest undeclared are corrupt and corrosive. Neither the board of TI Fiji nor other board members in Fiji appeared to comprehend or grasp the seriousness of prolonged conflicting interests in decision-making positions. Look at Fiji Sugar Corporation: look at Air Pacific: look at the Fiji Development Bank: look at FNPF: look at many other institutions which have failed the taxpayers of Fiji on many fronts. But in the area of integrity and the declaration of interest, they have profoundly muddied the waters of governance. Those who sat on multiple boards of directors with almost no women members should look closely at themselves and their intentions. All boards in Fiji should now be mandated to have women directors as is the case in the Scandinavian countries: Denmark/Sweden/Norway. These women should be qualified to sit and have demonstrated successful experience of business. However, a 'caveat': the person who abused overseas hospitality paid for by TI funding was female, qualified and trained by Transparency International. Corruption knows no gender and it takes many forms.
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