(o) Sir Michael Somare Pleads with Forum leaders not to suspend Fiji PacNews 27 January 2009

[Sir Michael, with some support from Kiribati, Tuvalu and possibly others, may have persuaded Forum members, pushed by Australia and New Zealand, not to expel Fiji from the Forum. But the "ultimatum" finally agreed upon will be hard to meet unless pressure is also put on those opposing the Interim Government. And unless Australia and New Zealand can comprehend and adopt something of Sir Michael's "Pacific" spirit and heed his wise advice, underlined. ]

Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare has made a strong plea to Pacific Leaders not to suspend Fiji from the Forum bloc. He made the plea at the Special Forum leaders meeting underway in Papua New Guinea. In his speech, Sir Michael seemed to accept Fiji’s interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama’s position that Fiji will not return to democratic rule soon.

He said now its not the time for the Forum to isolate and take punitive action against Fiji. “We must therefore engage the interim government fully and help the political dialogue in Fiji to succeed. I am of the strong view that adopting an isolationist strategy would be unhelpful. I urge that we do not ignore the plea from the Fiji people, as expressed by the coalition of political parties, not to take punitive action against Fiji,” Sir Michael told the leaders

Sir Michael believes the Forum leaders are genuine in finding a long-term solution on Fiji political woes and a roadmap to democratic rule. “We are meeting because we value the inherent good that comes out of participatory democracy. “And I believe that we are meeting because we are genuinely interested in finding a long term solution to the coup culture that has unfortunately taken strong roots in the politics of Fiji.

“If there are any lessons to be learnt from the previous coups, hurriedly- prepared elections and token changes to rules do not usher in real democracy."

He said the Forum leaders owe it to the Fiji people and not to make those same mistakes.

• “Let us help Fiji fine-tune a roadmap with realistic timelines to return her to a durable democracy.
• "Let us identify specific areas in the roadmap where we can provide financial and logistical support to Fiji.
• "Let us not take any decision that might have the potential to undermine the efforts of the United Nations and Commonwealth at facilitating political dialogue towards a consensus on a way forward."
  

Sir Michael said PNG stands ready to help Fiji conduct its election.“Papua New Guinea is ready to print the required ballot papers for the elections. We are ready to second officers from our Electoral Commission to the Office of the Supervisor for Elections to assist with preparations. We are prepared to consider funding specific aspects of the President’s political dialogue Forum process. Those that promote real consultations to build consensus amongst all stake holders in Fiji."

Sir Michael said Fiji is a delicate issue and the meeting today will represent a watershed in the Forum’s approach to conflict resolution. “It will also test the solidarity of the Forum. The choices before us are difficult."

“Varying degrees of sanctions against Fiji have been imposed. The impact of these and the damages caused by heavy rains and flooding on the lives of ordinary Fijians are devastating. Fiji needs us now more than ever before,” he said.

He reminded the leaders the Forum must show leadership on the Fiji issue.
"I would like to think that the Forum leadership is not about imposing our will, but about listening and extending a helping hand in ways that bring about long term solutions. I would like to think that leadership is not about abandoning our brothers and sisters in their hour of need.”