LAURIE BRERETON MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

· NEWS RELEASE · NEWS RELEASE · NEWS RELEASE ·

150/00 15 November 2000

FIJI: HIGH COURT UPHOLDS 1997 CONSTITUTION

The Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Laurie Brereton, today welcomed the ruling of Fiji's High Court upholding the validity of Fiji's 1997 Constitution and its democratically elected Parliament.

"The reported ruling of Justice Gates is a positive development in Fiji's constitutional crisis", Mr Brereton said.

"It is most welcome to see the rule of law defended in Fiji."

"Today's High Court decision underlines the importance of all parties seeking a solution to the political impasse through the framework of the 1997 Constitution."

"This is the approach supported by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group."

"At its meeting on 15 September, CMAG noted that Fiji's 1997 Constitution had been unanimously endorsed by the Great Council of Chiefs and by the two houses of the Fiji Parliament."

"With Foreign Minister Downer in attendance, CMAG expressed its very real concern that Fiji's Interim Administration intends the new constitution to incorporate further restrictions on the basis of racial origin."

"CMAG expressed concern that the Interim Administration is itself the product of the unconstitutional overthrow of an elected government and that its actions therefore lack both legitimacy and credibility."

"This was a very good statement on behalf of the Commonwealth."

"In the light of today's High Court ruling, the Howard Government should immediately reaffirm Australia's support for a political settlement within the framework of Fiji's 1997 Constitution."

"What is required is a timetable for the earliest possible return to constitutional democracy in Fiji. Australia should taking every opportunity to deliver this message to Fiji's unconstitutional Interim Administration."

Contact: Philip Dorling 02 6277 4717 or 0416 203 058