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Issue No: 539; 2 March 2001
The nation and the international community have all heartily welcomed the decision of the Fiji Court of Appeal that the 1997 Constitution is intact and that the Parliament has not been dissolved. The United Stated Government welcomed the decision and called on the Qarase regime to abide by it. The US Ambassador to Fiji stated: "We have repeatedly started that upholding basic principles of democracy and international standards of human rights, as embodied in Fiji's 1997 Constitution, would be a benchmark for determining our reaction to the crisis in Fiji. This Constitution was drafted to recognise the rights of all citizens of Fiji to equal and democratic representation in Fiji's government". The UK government, through the Foreign Office Minister of State JOHN BATTLE welcomed the decision yesterday. Battle stated: "The decision announced today by Fiji's Court of Appeal is good news for the peoples of that country. I have been deeply concerned by recent events in Fiji and the lack of progress in restoring constitutional democracy. The Court's decision presents Fiji with an opportunity to make a fresh start. I urge the Interim Administration and all the people of Fiji to respect the Court's decision. Now is the time for the people of Fiji to work together for a better future for the whole country." Battle further stated: "In July last year I announced the cancellation of all Foreign Office funded assistance to Fiji's government and the suspension of all joint military exercises and naval visits. I look forward to the day, hopefully soon, when we will be in a position to remove these measures. But first, real progress will have to be made towards returning Fiji to inclusive democratic and constitutional rule. For this to happen, the people, institutions and political parties of Fiji will all have to work together. We in the UK remain committed to helping Fiji in whatever way we can to return to its rightful place as a valued member of the Commonwealth and the international community." |
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People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands |
