.gif)
A new magazine article has attacked Australia’s position on Fiji as being detrimental for Fiji and the Pacific, calling on India to push for New Zealand and Australia to engage with Fiji and persuade them to help it implement a racially neutral state.
The article in The Standard spells out support for Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama’s drive to end racism in Fiji but argues that the isolationist policy adopted by its regional neighbours creates the possibility of instability and a regional security vacuum that could be filled by China.
It is another article that in recent weeks has called for a change in stance by the two regional neighbours, especially in view of Fiji’s move towards China as a result of being isolated in its own region.
“It is widely accepted that China’s long-term goal in the Pacific is to challenge US dominance. It is deepening its military ties with Tonga. Beijing hopes to weaken the US’s Pacific security fence by providing aid to and building military ties with South West Pacific countries,” the article said.
“Travel restrictions have meant that many more young professionals are leaving Fiji instead of entering public service,” it said.
This apart from Australian sanctions affecting civic institutions in Fiji.
The article goes on to point out that while Australian policies towards Fiji are hurting the long-term interests of both India and Australia, “it is difficult to fault Bainimarama’s analysis and vision”.
“Merely insisting on the restoration of democracy or bullying Fiji is not the answer. He may be pursuing the wrong tactics but his motives are worthy of support. India must impress upon Australia and New Zealand the need to engage with Fiji and persuade them to assist Fiji in its goal of implementing a racially-blind constitution and electoral system. Australia has a great deal of experience in fighting endemic racism.”
The article argues that “if Australia were to persist with its present adversarial stance, Fiji’s economy will weaken further and poverty levels will rise”.
It argued that for the sake of regional security, India must change the position it has adopted up until now where it has responded to Fiji’s situation in forums such as the Commonwealth by mostly deferring to Australia.
“The rationale behind this has been Fiji’s distance from India and Australia’s proximity to it.”
Source: The Standard
