[pima.nius] TVNZ: Turia believes Maori could help Fiji

Turia believes Maori could help Fiji 

Published: 6:31PM Sunday May 03, 2009

Source: ONE News

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia wants a team of prominent Maori to go to Fiji to try to sort out the troubled regime.

Under the self imposed leadership of Commodore Frank Bainimarama Fiji is becoming increasingly isolated and has now been suspended from the Pacific Island Forum.

But Turia told TVNZ's Q+A programme that New Zealand's harsh approach is wrong and isolation is not the answer.

"We've talked about this and we believe that there is a way forward and we should talking with Fiji rather than adopting the stance that we have," Turia says.

She believes the way forward is sending a high powered Maori delegation to Fiji.

"Dr Sharples is very keen to look at how we might be able to use New Zealand leadership and he thought of Tumu Te Heuheu, the king, that maybe a very small delegation could go and talk with Bainimarama," says Turia.

The regime has recently sacked judges, suspended the constitution, muzzled the media and refused to hold elections, prompting Foreign Minister Murray McCully to label Bainimarama a dictator. But Turia says he has been misunderstood.

"He is saying he is attempting to combat racism and certain things that have been going on in Fiji for some time...we think we should find exactly what is happening there."

Turia says Sharples would potentially go with any delegation but it will be up to the Prime Minister to approve the trip.

But John Key told ONE News the delegation could only go in a private capacity.

"As long as they go in their capacity as leaders of the Maori Party and as New Zealanders but not representing the government," says Key.

"The government is going to continue to negotiate for democracy in Fiji through the Pacific Forum leaders and through the Commonwealth."

And Key says he would be surprised if a Maori negotiating team succeeded where others have failed.

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pacific islands media association
pima.nius@gmail.com
aotearoa, new zealand
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