Commonwealth mulling mission to Fiji

The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), chaired by Foreign Minister Michael Frendo, yesterday "unanimously and unequivocally" condemned the military takeover in Fiji and decided to suspend the regime from membership of the Commonwealth councils.

Malta is currently Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth.

The decision, Dr Frendo said, was directed at the military regime and not against the people of Fiji. The country itself has not been suspended from the Commonwealth.

The group met at Marlborough House, in London, to consider the situation in the Fiji Islands, where the military last Tuesday seized control after tension lasting several weeks.

It is the fourth coup in the country - the richest in the South Pacific - over the past 19 years. The military put Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase under house arrest and took executive control of the country. The CMAG yesterday agreed that the unconstitutional takeover constitutes a serious violation of the Commonwealth's fundamental principles.

It noted and commended the collective and individual efforts of Pacific regional governments to promote dialogue and the resolution of political differences prior to the coup.

The group expressed support for and solidarity with the people of Fiji "who have an inalienable right to a government of their choice through democratic means".

The CMAG called for the Commonwealth principles of good governance, democracy and the rule of law to be upheld in Fiji. It also called for the restoration of constitutional rule and democratic government with immediate effect.

The ministerial action group called on the Commonwealth secretary-general, Don McKinnon, to consult Dr Frendo about the possibility of a mission to Fiji to press for the immediate restoration of democracy.