Fiji faces long wait in the cold

SUVA, Fiji: Military Commander Frank Bainimarama (L) walks to a press conference at the Queen Elizabeth Barricks 7 December 2006, days after Fiji's fourth coup. Photo / Getty Images, Phil Walter

It could take several years for Fiji to be reinstated to the Commonwealth, even if elections promised for 2014 are successful, a Fijian academic says.

Fiji was suspended from the Commonwealth yesterday after failing to meet conditions, including holding early elections.

It was also suspended from the Pacific Islands Forum in May, and the European Union has suspended aid to the military regime.

Military leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama, who overthrew the elected government in a December 2006 coup, has said he intends to hold elections by September 2014.

Steven Ratuva, from the University of Auckland's Centre for Pacific Studies, said the suspension would have little effect on most Fiji residents.

Dr Ratuva said it would affect Commonwealth scholarships and job opportunities around the globe for Fijians within Commonwealth organisations.

But Fiji had already experienced prolonged isolation from the Commonwealth and, economically, it was likely to have little effect.

Dr Ratuva said the suspension had long been on the cards, but the 2014 election date had also been all but set in stone for some time.

When Fiji was suspended from the Commonwealth after its 1987 military coup, elections were next held in 1992, but reinstatement did not come until 1997.

It was possible that even if successful elections were held in 2014, complex and lengthy procedures meant it could take years for Fiji to be reinstated to the Commonwealth, Dr Ratuva said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said democracy underpinned the Commonwealth, and Fiji had been given plenty of warning.

New Zealand didn't intend imposing any further sanctions, and there was now little it could do but show patience.

Former governor-general Sir Paul Reeves is to travel to Fiji within the next 10 days as the Commonwealth Secretary General's representative for talks with the regime.

Sir Paul said the situation was sensitive and any public comment would come after discussions took place.

Labour leader Phil Goff said the suspension was regrettable but inevitable.

"We will continue to look for signs of a commitment that Fiji will head down the road to democracy," he said.

"But until we see signs of progress, restoring a relationship with Fiji is not possible."

The ban will exclude Fiji from participation in all inter-governmental Commonwealth meetings or activities.

No Commonwealth technical assistance can be provided to Fiji, with the exception of assistance aimed at facilitating the restoration of democracy.

Professional and non-governmental contact will be left to the discretion of individual organisations.

- NZPA