Regime embarraces Fiji by tied aid

Issue No: 914; 5 July 2001

 
The acceptance of Chinese government funds by the Qarase regime to fund Fiji's Diplomatic post in Beijing has embarrassed the people of Fiji.

It has been revealed that the China is paying for the space and other facilities which are used by Fiji's embassy in China. Over the past month, China has begun dictating terms to Fiji on the conduct of Fiji's foreign policy.

The People's Coalition Government has hit out at the lack of professionalism in evaluating the offer of tied aid. In a statement, the elected National Planning Minister, Dr. Ganesh Chand, stated:

"The controversy surrounding Fiji's relations with China is caused by the Qarase regime's amateur diplomacy."

"The Chinese Government offer to fund Fiji's embassy in Beijing has been on the deck for some time now. The People's Coalition Government had decided not to accept this particular aid from the Government of China because of the obvious implications of this. Of course some government people advised our government to accept this aid. Our government decided to reject the advice because it lacked professionalism"

"The Qarase regime, however, went on to accept this aid."

"Accepting such tied aid is fraught with problems. The current demand by the Government of China on Fiji is a clear result of the Qarase regime accepting such aid."

"In its rush to open up the embassy in Beijing, despite the fact that Fiji under Qarase could not afford it, shows the foolishness of the Qarase regime."

"The People's Coalition Government had decided to establish diplomatic missions in Beijing and New Delhi from 2001. But our government could afford to establish this without relying on handouts from the respective host governments. Public finances under our government were in a very healthy state, and our government's financial performance was improving by the day."

"In contrast, the Qarase group decided to go to Beijing with the least consideration for affordability, and the consequence of accepting the Chinese Government's offer of funding our embassy there."

"The diplomatic brinkmanship displayed by the Qarase regime is sinking Fiji further and further."

"It just adds to the declining image which Fiji is gaining abroad."

"Not long ago, Qarase himself had misled the United Nations on Lt.Col. Filipo Tarakinikini."

"Earlier, Qarase had also misinformed the EU on democracy in Fiji."

"The damage which the Qarase regime is doing to Fiji internationally is immeasurable."

"The sooner the Qarase group realizes that it just doesn't have it in them to govern Fiji, the better for Fiji and its people."

 

People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands
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Last update: August 27, 2001