New Zealand-Fiji relations

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Fiji-New Zealand relations
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     Fiji      New Zealand

Relations between New Zealand and Fiji are currently strained. Relations between these two Pacific countries were previously amicable, and New Zealand has long been a significant development aid partner and economic partner for Fiji. Relations were soured following a military coup in Fiji in December 2006, and the overthrowing of Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase's government by Commodore Frank Bainimarama, who replaced him as prime minister. Helen Clark's government in New Zealand was one of the leading voices in condemning the coup. New Zealand has placed sanctions in Fiji, reduced its aid, and has continuously demanded that Bainimarama allow a return to democracy. Bainimarama, in turn, has accused the New Zealand government of "bullying"[1], and of ignoring his efforts in reforming his country and preparing it for democratic elections. He has asked New Zealand to "be more sensitive, to understand the fundamentals and dynamics of Fiji’s situation and not to make conclusions in haste"[2].

Bilateral relations sank to a new low in June 2007 when Fiji expelled New Zealand's High Commissioner Michael Green, allegedly for "interfering in Fiji’s domestic affairs"[3] [4], a claim which the New Zealand government denied.

The following month, Fiji's Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry accused New Zealand of being excessive in its hostility to Bainimara's government, and hinted at a shift in Fiji's foreign policy towards Asia: “Fiji has friends in China, it has friends in Korea, it has friends in […] other Asian countries. We’re no longer relying on Australia and New Zealand."[5] Australia, like New Zealand, had strongly condemned the December 2006 coup, whereas China by contrast had advised the international community to show understanding towards the situation in Fiji.

Later that year, Helen Clark stated that Bainimarama would be "treated like a leper" if he attended a Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Tonga in October. Pacific Island nation members reacted by distancing themselves from New Zealand's stance, and Bainimarama did attend.[6] Clark avoided Bainimarama at the meeting[7].

In November 2007, bilateral relations worsened further when a Fiji-born New Zealand businessman, Ballu Khan, was arrested in Fiji, accused of conspiring to assassinate Bainimarama and several other members of Fiji's government, and allegedly submitted to a severe beating by the police, which resulted in hospitalisation[8]. New Zealand's High Commission in Suva was denied access to Khan[9]. Fiji's Police Commissioner, Esala Teleni, commented: "There are efforts being made to create an unfavourable environment, that may provide excuses to certain lurking nations to interfere in the affairs of Fiji" - a transparent reference to New Zealand[10]. New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters reacted to the claim by dismissing it as "unsubstantiated nonsense"[11]. Helen Clark likewise denied that New Zealand had played any part in any plot to assassinate Bainimarama: "[F]rom New Zealand's point of view, we have no part in financing or supporting any activities of such kind in Fiji."[12] Bainimarama published a statement confirming that he did not believe the Australian and New Zealand governments had been involved in the plot[13].

In December 2007, as part of sanctions, New Zealand controversially banned forty-seven Fiji children, aged 10 to 13, from entering New Zealand to participate in an international scouting event[14]. New Zealand's highly strained bilateral relations with Fiji attracted international comment when they led the two countries to a dispute over football. New Zealand was due to host a 2010 World Cup qualifying match between Fiji and New Zealand, but denied entry to the Fiji team's main goalkeeper, Simione Tamanisau, due to the latter's fiancée's father being a member of Fiji's military[15][16].

Clark has said New Zealand will ease sanctions in Fiji once progress towards democracy becomes apparent. ("We need to see a roadmap. We need to see benchmarks met."[17]) Bainimarama has argued that such progress is already apparent. ("What else do they want? People come up and tell me you have to show us concrete steps – what further steps?"[18]) Clark has said New Zealand will help fund Fiji's election, when it takes place[19].

Relations between the two countries remain poor at present.

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Helen Clark does not understand Fiji: PM Bainimarama", Fiji government, July 4, 2007
  2. ^ "Fiji interim government says it might be able to hold elections by early 2009", Radio New Zealand International, June 19, 2007
  3. ^ "Fiji says New Zealand High Commissioner expelled for interfering in domestic affairs", Radio New Zealand International, June 14, 2007
  4. ^ "Media Statement from PM's Office on Issuance of Persona Non-Grata to H.E Mr. Michael Green, NZ High Commissioner",Fiji government, June 14, 2007
  5. ^ "Chaudhry breaks silence to slag New Zealand", NiuFM, July 9, 2007
  6. ^ "'Leper' comment boomerangs", Dev Nadkarni, Islands Business, September 2007
  7. ^ "It’s sad: PM tells of Clark’s absence", Cheerieann Wilson, Fiji Sun, October 17, 2007
  8. ^ "11 arrested in alleged Fiji plot to kill head of government", International Herald Tribune, November 4, 2007
  9. ^ "'Lurking nations' in Fiji assassination plot", Michael Field, Stuff.co.nz, November 4, 2007
  10. ^ ibid
  11. ^ "Assassination claim unsubstantial: NZ", Radio Fiji, November 5, 2007
  12. ^ "Arrested Kiwi feared for his family's safety", Michael Field & tracy Watkins, Stuff.co.nz, November 6, 2007
  13. ^ "Australia and New Zealand not implicated in assassination plot", Fiji government, November 6, 2007
  14. ^ "Fiji scouts banned from NZ", Stuff.co.nz, Michael Field, December 20, 2007
  15. ^ "Fiji match pulled over visa row", BBC, October 12, 2007
  16. ^ "Media statement: New Zealand vs. Fiji match", Oceania Football Confederation, October 12, 2007
  17. ^ "Don't rush to lift sanctions - deposed Fiji PM", Stuff.co.nz, October 18, 2007
  18. ^ ibid
  19. ^ "Clark to Fiji: keep it constitutional", Sue Eden, Stuff.co.nz, October 19, 2007


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