KEY POINTS:
There's been a lot of rhetoric about Fiji from New Zealand and other countries. Sanctions will only make innocent Fijians suffer. When is the time to take harder action? Would you ever consider military intervention?
New Zealand's sanctions are targeted at the coup perpetrators and their closest
supporters. We are continuing to provide considerable aid to Fiji's poorest people, but we are no longer channelling that funding through the Government. Next week I expect to announce further measures aimed at pressing the interim regime to take concrete steps, not just words, towards returning Fiji to democracy. Military intervention is not an option.
Should we even care about what's going on in Fiji? Why not leave them to sort it out for themselves?
Fiji is a close Pacific neighbour and we share a range of strong historical, cultural and family ties. New Zealand is committed to supporting democracy, security and the rule of law throughout the region. We would be derelict in our duties if we simply ignored the coup, with all its attendant consequences not only for Fiji and its people, but for New Zealand and the wider Pacific as well.
Commodore Bainimarama seems to view New Zealand as the enemy and claims Prime Minister Helen Clark has a personal vendetta against him. Is he delusional or is New Zealand putting too much pressure, too soon, on Fiji?
New Zealand's reactions to events in Fiji should come as no surprise to the commodore. I made it very clear to him before he proceeded with his coup that the consequences for Fiji would be extremely serious. There is no personal vendetta. New Zealand is simply working with its neighbours and the wider international community to press Bainimarama to return Fiji to democratic rule.
Like many Kiwis, my husband and I have enjoyed wonderful holidays in Fiji in the past. Based on our positive experiences we invested in Fiji in property at Denarau. Do you think we should hang in there or cut our losses and take our investment, and our holidays, elsewhere?
We have a responsibility to make New Zealanders aware of our concerns over the suppression of democracy, and allegations of intimidation and human rights abuses since the coup. We believe there is some safety risk for travellers in Fiji at this time. But where people choose to invest or holiday remains an individual choice, and one for which they must take responsibility.
Expelling Michael Green appears to be a petty, vindictive action on the part of Frank Bainimarama. When do you hope to have a replacement NZ High Commissioner back in Fiji?
We have no current plans to fill the vacancy.
* Due to an editing error, last week's column incorrectly identified a photo of Steve Tew as Chris Moller. The Herald on Sunday apologises for the error.
