12:11 PM |
Statement by Sir Michael Somare, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea at the
>> Special MSG Leaders' Meeting on the Fiji situation
>>
>>
>> Port Vila, Vanuatu, 10 July 2009
>>
>> Mr Chairman
>> Fellow MSG colleagues
>> Director General of the MSG Secretariat
>> Invited guests
>> Ladies and gentlemen
>>
>> On behalf of the government and people of Papua New Guinea, let me just
>> say how wonderful it is to meet here again in Vanuatu - the country where
>> our organisation was formally founded, and the seat of our MSG
>> Secretariat.
>>
>> I am hopeful that in the country that inspired our predecessors to
>> establish our organisation, we will find the wisdom and political will to
>> make a difference on the Fiji situation.
>>
>> I am pleased and grateful that we are able to have in our midst our
>> colleague from Fiji.
>>
>> Welcome Commodore Bainimarama!
>>
>> As we gather here, the anxious eyes of our other colleagues in the region,
>> as well as the international community are focussed on us - some with hope
>> and others with doubts of a successful outcome.
>>
>> Whatever their persuasions, all are waiting in anticipation to
>> congratulate or ridicule us.
>>
>> I make this observation to signal that the credibility of our organisation
>> would inevitably be undermined if we do not break new ground on Fiji at
>> this meeting.
>>
>> We must make a difference on the Fiji issue. And the outcome of our
>> meeting is in our OWN hands.
>>
>> Colleague Leaders
>>
>> We meet today because we want to help a member of our MSG family of
>> nations.
>>
>> But we obviously cannot impose our will on Fiji.
>>
>> All of us - as MSG countries - must find a way forward together by mutual
>> consent.
>>
>> This would require meeting each other midway on any proposed actions.
>>
>> As an elected government, Papua New Guinea would prefer to see any
>> solutions to be conducted within a constitutional framework.
>>
>> This lends the necessary legitimacy to actions.
>>
>> For any actions to succeed, it must have the support of all stakeholders
>> in Fiji.
>>
>> For change through consent is more durable.
>>
>> In this regard, I beg the indulgence and understanding of the Fiji
>> government.
>>
>> I am prepared to approach the Fiji issue with a fresh outlook. Let us
>> forget the past disappointments and differences.
>>
>> Let us dig deep within our souls and find the necessary compromises that
>> would move Fiji closer towards democracy.
>>
>> You will recall my passionate plea in Port Moresby during the special PIF
>> meeting to adopt the Pacific Way in our attempts to address the Fiji
>> situation.
>>
>> I remain convinced that this approach offers the best hope for an amicable
>> way forward on Fiji.
>>
>> Fellow colleagues
>>
>> As we try to examine ways and means of assisting Fiji and bringing it back
>> to democracy, our compass must be the Biketawa Declaration which we all
>> committed ourselves to.
>>
>> Let me paraphrase what i said in Port Moresby during the special PIF
>> meeting on Fiji.
>>
>> The Biketawa Declaration calls us to take action on the basis of "all
>> members being part of the Pacific Islands extended family".
>>
>> Fiji is a member of the family.
>>
>> Biketawa also instructs us to address "underlying causes of tensions and
>> conflict". Not simply addressing the symptoms of conflict.
>> The Biketawa Declaration also requires that we not only discuss the
>> actions "with the authorities in the country concerned" but that there
>> must be consensus on the resolutions by those who have to implement - such
>> as local players and supporters.
>>
>> I want our meeting to arrive at decisions that will move the process
>> forward.
>>
>> An outcome less than that would undermine the credibility of the MSG.
>> We also owe it to the people of Fiji to ease the economic difficulties
>> that they are enduring.
>>
>> The challenge for us is to help Fiji draw up a credible roadmap with
>> realistic timelines to return it to a durable democracy as soon as
>> possible.
>>
>> Let us identify specific areas in the roadmap where we as an MSG group can
>> provide financial, technical, policy-wise and logistical support to Fiji.
>>
>> I reaffirm Papua New Guinea's offer of assistance that I made in Port
>> Moresby.
>>
>> Fellow Colleagues
>>
>> The meeting today must represent a breakthrough in our involvement on the
>> Fiji issue.
>>
>> It would be naïve to think that the choices before us are simple. They are
>> not.
>>
>> Development partners are imposing varying degrees of sanctions against
>> Fiji. Let us not give them more reason to withhold their assistance.
>>
>> The Forum and the Commonwealth are threatening full suspension of Fiji.
>>
>> I for one do not believe that such an action is helpful to the process of
>> returning Fiji to the democratic fold. I will oppose such moves.
>>
>> Fiji economy is suffering and the anguish of the Fiji people can be felt
>> afar.
>>
>> Fiji people need us now more than ever before. MSG must show leadership on
>> the Fiji issue.
>>
>> Let us work towards a long term solution that is forward-looking,
>> proactive and constructive for our Fijian friends - not some band aid
>> solution.
>>
>> Past experience suggests that hurriedly prepared elections and superficial
>> tinkering of rules do not usher in real democracy.
>>
>> Even the President of the United States, Barak Obama acknowledges that
>> elections alone do not make for true democracy.
>>
>> Having said that, let us prove the critics wrong by aiming to prepare Fiji
>> to return to democracy within a shorter period of time.
>>
>> With courage and the goodwill of everyone here, there is no reason why we
>> cannot achieve that objective.
>>
>> Thank you.
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