Maori going to Fiji
Press Release Tame Iti, (Maori and
Indigenous political activist) and Anthony Sinclair
(Lawyer, Mediator, Indigenous Rights Advocate) leave for
Fiji on Air New Zealand flight 35 at 7.30am Thursday. The
Maori delegation go to Fiji, offering unconditional
assistance to the Fijian people. [Monitor, mediate, review
constitution, offer legal assistance] The Maori
delegation believe at this time that isolationist rhetoric
and inflammatory statements made by many commentators is
unhelpful, incites violence and escalates fear. At this
time Fiji is in need of support not threats. While many
commentators have sought to focus on one man, George
Speight and his character, the Maori delegation will cast
the net a little wider. In particular other issues require
analysis, including widespread dissatisfaction among the
population toward the manner Fiji Parliament conducted
political affairs, widespread rejection of the Fijian
Constitution which a Maori Paul Reeves assisted to draft, a
sense that the rights of Indigenous Fijians were being
undermined in particular continued references that
legislation will be drafted aimed at alienating Fijian
lands. It was this very initiative that saw Maori and
immigrants of the British Empire locked in a protracted
30-year colonial war. Therefore when talk of undermining the
land base is made at high levels in Fijian Parliament, the
intention is clear, it can be perceived by the Fijian
people as tantamount to an act of war.
The main concern
of the Maori delegation at this time is the well- being and
safety of the people of Fiji irrespective of race color or
creed. The welfare of the State, its actors and apparatus
must take second place to the welfare of the people. The
condemnation by the Australian Prime Minister of what has
happened in Fiji must be balanced against his immoral
behavior in refusing to apologise to our aboriginal
brothers and sisters for the sins of his fathers. If
"democracy" has been undermined in Fiji then so it has in
Australia by allowing a little neo-Nazi Howard to be elected
as Prime Minister. So to in Wellington, politicians
righteous finger pointing incites hatred and fear. We ask
that if Wellington have nothing useful, positive or helpful
to contribute then they keep their mouths shut as the windy
Wellington conditions are blowing their inflammatory little
tongues around….again,….we will assist all our Fijian
brothers and sisters at this time…not abandon them…..Maori
delegation.. ENDS
31st May 2000
Maori going to
Fiji
Phone 021 2928-496. Email