1 March 2001

DUNNE CALLS ON NZ GOVERNMENT TO TAKE STRONG STANCE ON FIJI COURT DECISION

The Fiji Court of Appeal decision released a short time ago in favour of the previously democratically elected Chaudry Government, will only have any significance if Mr Chaudry's Labour Government overthrown by the racist thugs last year, is immediately restored to power and fresh elections held says, Hon Peter Dunne, leader United Future.

"The New Zealand Government must immediately and definitively call for this. This is not a time for diplomatic niceties and beating around the bush.

"Nothing short of the immediate cessation of the military regime and the restoration of the Chaudry Government will be acceptable to the people of Fiji and the many native and Indo-Fijian ex-patriates.

"Allowing the military junta to remain in power until fresh elections are held is not acceptable and the New Zealand Government must steadfastly push for the immediate restoration of the Chaudry Government," says Mr Dunne.

He says if it is necessary to take stronger economic and diplomatic actions against Fiji to force the issue then so be it. If Fiji has to be frozen out of the world community until they realise their neighbours mean business, then that may be the price they have to pay.

"This is an opportunity for the Coalition Government to take a strong and decisive stance on the Fiji issue after their appalling loss of principle and credibility over the debacle of Fiji's participation in the Sevens Tournament.

"Now a respected group of judges have delivered their decision it is time for action to ensure the repressed people of Fiji have the opportunity to live in a democratic country, which is after all what most of them want.

"I call on the New Zealand Government to show some very real leadership on this hugely important issue and make freedom and equality in Fiji a reality once again," says Mr Dunne.

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