KEY POINTS:
The Government last night accused Fiji's Great Council of Chiefs of adopting a whimsical attitude to democracy.
Duty Minister Jim Anderton said New Zealand remained opposed to Fiji's military-backed regime, despite the last bastion of Fijian opposition appearing to collapse yesterday.
The council threw its weight behind the
interim Administration, which includes military leader Frank Bainimarama, the man behind December's coup, as Prime Minister.
But Mr Anderton said sanctions would remain in place and New Zealand's position would not change.
"We will not change our minds depending on the latest whim from a group that used to oppose coups and now does not."
Less than three weeks ago the council denounced the December 5 coup, refused to recognise Commodore Bainimarama as head of state or to condone any changes he had made.
But yesterday council chairman Ratu Ovini Bokini said it was time for Fiji to "move forward". He called on the ousted prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, and his colleagues to work towards the betterment of the nation.
The council holds a powerful place in the constitution, appointing the titular head of state on the advice of the elected government. It also holds sway with the politically dominant indigenous Fijian majority.
Mr Anderton said there appeared to be a "coup mentality or culture" developing in Fiji.
"There's now a very big gap between what Fiji is now accepting and the democratic process that we support in this country."
The interim government, which is expected to meet for the first time on Tuesday, has already gained the backing of the Fijian Trade Union Council and the Retailers Association, which both said earlier this month they supported Commodore Bainimarama's appointment.
And the regime has also won support from the Methodist Church which claims the allegiance of most Fijians.
However, the changes in Fiji are still attracting international concern.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon said he was particularly disappointed that Commodore Bainimarama had assumed the post of interim prime minister while continuing as the head of the Army.
"It is inconsistent with the Commonwealth's fundamental principles," he said. "This position has been consistently upheld by Commonwealth Heads of Government."
"The Commonwealth's primary concern remains the restoration of constitutional rule and democratic government in Fiji. It is, therefore, essential that the interim government should be no more than a step towards the restoration of democracy."
"Until constitutional democracy is restored, the people of Fiji continue to be denied their full and fundamental human rights," he said.
The December coup was Fiji's fourth since 1987.
- AGENCIES
