Friday, 13 November 2009
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EU THREATENS TOUGHER SANCTIONS FOR FIJI
Brussels (Agence Europe) - The Swedish Presidency, speaking on behalf of the European Union, has criticised the decision of the Fiji government to expel the Australian High Commissioner and New Zealand's Acting Head of Mission.
In a statement published on Wednesday 11 November, the Presidency says that this development, which was announced on 3 November, signals a further deterioration of Fiji's relations with the international community and undermines progress towards dialogue.
“By isolating itself, Fiji puts at risk the concerted efforts to bring about the return of the rule of law and democracy,” the statement says. The EU calls on the Fijian authorities and all their partners to work together to “engage in meaningful dialogue and thus prevent further negative developments”.
The EU repeats its concern about continuing military rule in Fiji and calls on the interim government to take prompt steps to restore democracy, human rights and the rule of law in line with the commitments made by Fiji under the revised Cotonou Agreement that links the EU and the ACP (Africa, Caribbean, Pacific) countries.
The restrictive measures brought by the EU against Fiji in October 2007 for infringement of key points of the Cotonou Agreement (respect for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law) were extended by six months in September of this year. This extension of sanctions was accompanied by an offer from the EU for formal political consultation as soon as there were reasonable prospects of a return to normality.
At the same time, the EU threatened to toughen sanctions if there was no improvement in the situation.
Agence Europe 11-12-09
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