No Democracy okay, says Pacific Forum

Issue No: 158; 30 October 2000

The Pacific Forum Island leaders decided not to take any action on Fiji. It also accepted the Qarase plan for a new racially weighted constitution and a new election.

The Pacific Forum, a grouping of Pacific Island nations, does not have any mechanism of dealing with countries with internal problems. It has, however, decided that in future it will take steps to address political crisis emerging in member nations.

Australia and New Zealand both pushed for a harder line against countries where democratically elected governments were overthrown by violent
means.

The Forum decision on Fiji sends the clear signal that the Pacific Island leaders accept violent overthrows of elected governments.

END

TV defies regime directive

Issue No: 157; 30 October 2000

The Fiji TV defied the directive given by the regime that it not host elected Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry on its Close-up program.

Chaudhry appeared on the Close-up last night and clearly explained the progress made under the People's Coalition government and the country's fate under the interim regime.

The TV had also invited regime officials who refused to take part in the debate.

END 30 October 2000

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