By Nicky Park, AAP South Pacific Correspondent
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has "changed her tune" on the political climate in Fiji, says the nation's self-appointed leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama.
On Monday, Ms Gillard said she remained very sceptical of Fiji's promise to hold an election in 2014.
Commodore Bainimarama, who seized power in a 2006 coup, told FijiLive Monday's comments didn't reflect the opinion Ms Gillard held on the Pacific nation before she stepped in to power.
"It's a change of tune from what she said when she first came into power, that she would engage Fiji," Commodore Bainimarama told the local news website on Tuesday morning.
Ms Gillard said it was important for Australia, the United States and other nations to work together on Fiji to try to ensure the poll was held.
Her comment followed reports that the US and some other countries had talked directly with Fiji's government, bypassing moves to diplomatically isolate Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, installed in a coup.
"We have our plans in place and they have their policy of isolation, I don't think these two will work," Commodore Bainimarama said.
"The US should engage Fiji directly and work with us, it will not work if they are to come through New Zealand and Australia. It will not work as these two countries do not have any high commissions here and secondly, they have failed miserably in trying to engage Fiji with their foreign policies."
On Monday, Ms Gillard said she remained very sceptical of Fiji's promise to hold an election in 2014.
Commodore Bainimarama, who seized power in a 2006 coup, told FijiLive Monday's comments didn't reflect the opinion Ms Gillard held on the Pacific nation before she stepped in to power.
Ms Gillard said it was important for Australia, the United States and other nations to work together on Fiji to try to ensure the poll was held.
Her comment followed reports that the US and some other countries had talked directly with Fiji's government, bypassing moves to diplomatically isolate Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, installed in a coup.
"We have our plans in place and they have their policy of isolation, I don't think these two will work," Commodore Bainimarama said.
"The US should engage Fiji directly and work with us, it will not work if they are to come through New Zealand and Australia. It will not work as these two countries do not have any high commissions here and secondly, they have failed miserably in trying to engage Fiji with their foreign policies."
12 comments:
Baini, the reason is..you kicked them out of Fiji. I know Baini is deluded but not to this extent, he's lost his memory. What you say Jake? woof woof
For those who detests this regime here is something to ponder now based on the assumption you lot don’t want Qarase or the corrupt practices that were rampant during his reign to return to power who then do you want apart from the obvious.
It appears the dissenting voices are in or well below the minority whereas the majority have given Bainimarama the go ahead to rule indefinitely.
There isn’t anything wrong that is there the odds at the moment are 5000/1.
So it may be wise to support this regime for the free feed at trough is over.
Besides very well said PM Bainimarama.
Jake
Frank Bainimarama is an amazing man !
Only he can see things which don't exist.
If Australia and New Zealnd's sanctions against Fiji's illegal Regime have not worked, then why are Frank and Co. recalcitrant ?
@Jake
Unbelieveble, what a royal dope. People don't give two hoots about who is in power as long as they have their say and the freedom to express themselves. That certainly does not need a rocket scientist to figure out. But the likes of you continue appease this rampant corupt regime.
The odds are you are senile, u dik head.
Jake
Frank's interpretation of "engaging with Fiji" is to legitimize his coup. US, Aus & NZ will never ever do that.
Round 2.
Lot of people - including regime seem too have misunderstood this?
No division between ANZ & US - in sporting parlance - their going to 'tag team' him.
I think I just got reemed up the back passage!!!!!
Fiji's illegal leader: Gillard changed tune
What a joke. Remember these words?:
"NO MILITARY PERSONNEL WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS TAKEOVER"
Look where they all are now. Gillard has not changed her tune at all. "Engaging with Fiji" does not mean patting you on the back and saying "you have done a good job". It actually is the opposite. Such comments from you is the more reason for you to go back to barracks.
@The Imposter.
It is a sign of weakness both mentality and physically when you have to resort to using vile language.
Now to those issues you have raised while Fiji currently is a stratocracy the curtailment of Freedom of Speech is negligible however what is of concern is the pertinacious extension of the PER and the impingement on Freedom of Association.
All things considered we have to make allowances because Stratocracy like that of a Democratic Government is not exempt from criticism or omissions.
Jake.
@ Jake hoax
It may be negligible to you but not to the people of Fiji. All things considered Bai and you belong to the dog house.
Jake
Hoax na sona.
The voice of the people have been heard and they seem to very happy in fact they cant get enought of their Saviour.
Why dont you detractors come along and join the advancement of Fiji.
You cannot forever run your fathers birthplace down.
Jake
@Jake xona
You can't get enough of Bai; good riddance to bad rubbish; you both have a great time.
Jake
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