Brussels, 30/03/2010 (Agence Europe) - Restrictive measures applied since October 2007 by the EU on cooperation with Fiji - already extended twice - have been extended for another six months until 1 October 2010.
This was decided by the EU Council on Tuesday 30 March without debate. This is due to the delay incurred by the authorities of the Pacific island to implement commitments taken with the EU to remedy repeal of the constitution, as well as postponement of legislative elections, and to put an end to human rights violations.
The EU considers the extension of sanctions as an opportunity to enter new discussions with the government of Fiji. The Council underlines that a credible and open process, allowing progress to be made in the reform programme of the provisional government and for democracy to be rapidly restored, would prepare the ground for further consultation.
Restrictive measures had been applied for the first time further to the military coup on 5 December 2006, described by the EU as violation of democracy and rule of law - two essential elements of the Cotonou Accord linking the European Union to the 78 ACP States (African/Caribbean/Pacific). The EU will maintain humanitarian operations and direct support for the civil society and a return to democracy. Development projects already begun in 2007 must be carried out according to the timetable set. However, as long as commitments relating to human rights and rule of law are not respected, no new support will be granted under the European Development Fund (EDF). After sugar subsidies were cancelled for the years 2007 to 2009, that to be granted to Fiji in 2010 will also depend on how the democratic process develops. The EU will continue to follow the political situation in Fiji very closely, the Council points out. (A.N./transl.jl)