Politic and Army in Fiji

Thursday, November 16, 2006


THE army will not be bullied by threats of regional intervention to resolve its prolonged impasse with the Government, it said yesterday.

Military spokesman Major Neumi Leweni made the comment in response to Foreign Affairs Minister Kaliopate Tavola, who said regional intervention was permitted in certain circumstances under the Biketawa Declaration.

"The Biketawa Agreement is now being exploited by countries like Australia and New Zealand to facilitate their foreign policy and front for neo-colonialism," said Major Leweni.

"This policy is now unveiling right here on our doorstep and we should take heed.

"We should learn from the MSG countries that have experienced foreign intervention and whether it has helped them."

He said the Biketawa Declaration referred to a failing State or when all institutions had disintegrated, like what happened in the Solomon Islands. "Fiji has a strong military that has proven itself in many theatres of war. It will not stand by and see any foreign force interfere with its affairs.

"It is indeed surprising to see that Mr Tavola has even considered this option," Major Leweni said.

Mr Tavola had earlier said Fiji had not decided on any move to call for foreign intervention because the Government wanted to solve the matter internally.


Source :Fiji Times