Fiji Aid Plan Scuttled
- April 19th, 2009
- Posted by EUEditor
The EU has called on the Fijian armed forces need to reconsider the latest move against legal authority; it says it regrets that an agreement on restoring aid, and a return to democracy, will now fail.
Statement from the office of Louis Michel (picture), European Commissioner for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid:
“Mr Michel … expressed deep regret and disappointment regarding recent regressive developments in Fiji; in particular the abrogation of the Constitution, the sacking of all judges, the delay of general elections until 2014 and the curtailment of freedom of speech.
“The Commissioner was particularly disappointed, since the interim Government had agreed with the EU on a plan which would have restored political order and democracy to Fiji and at the same time would have allowed the EU to provide substantial financial support to rescue the sugar sector and help restore the economy.
“Commissioner Michel called on the interim Government to reconsider these decisions and to honour its commitments to the international community and ultimately the people of Fiji.
“Commissioner Michel said: ‘These developments are unacceptable for the international community. Commitments must be respected. An early and inclusive domestic political process leading to a return to constitutional order and democracy in Fiji will allow us to provide assistance to Fiji, at a time when global economic prospects are becoming increasingly difficult.’â€
Reference: EC, IP/09/587, 15.4.09
Pictures: Fiji military chief, V. (Frank) Bainimarama; Louis Michel