Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the situation in Fiji

Press release 431/2006
26 October 2006

The European Union has noted that the military forces of Fiji have in recent weeks repeatedly criticised the Government of Fiji, and most recently made statements, which appear to demand the resignation of the government.

The European Union recalls that Fiji held general elections in May 2006, which were deemed credible by international observers, including notably a substantial European Union Election Observation Mission.

The European Union notes that the coalition government formed by Prime Minister Qarase following the elections has full democratic legitimacy as well as a very large majority in Parliament. The European Union strongly believes that in a democracy, the military must be subordinate to the elected civilian leadership. The military should in no way attempt to involve itself in politics.

The European Union urges all parties in Fiji to restrain from any action, which may increase tension and threaten the stability in Fiji.

The European Union will continue to monitor the situation closely.

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.