Hon Murray McCully MP
National Party Foreign Affairs Spokesman

10 January 2007

UN Should Remove Fijian Peacekeepers

National supports the firm line being taken by the New Zealand and Australian Governments with the interim government of Fiji, but wants a tougher stance taken on removing Fijian troops from United Nations peacekeeping roles.

National Party Foreign Affairs spokesman Murray McCully says New Zealand’s refusal to recognise the interim Fijian government is “entirely appropriate.”

“The administration, in which Commodore Bainimarama has effectively appointed himself Prime Minister, is unlawful.

“It’s deeply disappointing that Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry accepted the Finance Minister’s role in this illegitimate government.

“The New Zealand and Australia Governments have no option but to reject the steps being taken and refuse to recognise those who have purported to accept appointment to Ministerial office.

“But it’s time for the New Zealand Government to be more vigorous in seeking the dismissal of Fijian troops currently engaged in UN peace-keeping missions around the world. These troops are part of a military that has overthrown the duly-elected Fijian government.

“While ordinary Fijians will feel the impact of such a move, it’s unacceptable that members of these armed forces are engaged in peacekeeping roles where they are charged with upholding law and order in other countries.

“It was made clear to the Commodore before the coup that any threat to the duly-elected Fijian Government would have serious consequences for the Fijian troops in UN roles. The continued use of these troops by the UN is unprincipled, and the New Zealand Government must take a firmer a line on calling for their removal.

“New Zealand has a huge interest in establishing long-term stability in the Pacific through the rule of law. We need to be very clear about that fact in our dealings with both the unlawful administration in Fiji, and with the UN.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media