Brussels, 19/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - In a statement published on Friday 16 July, Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, condemns the expulsion by Fiji of an Australian diplomat, the acting high commissioner, and expresses her concern at the increasing isolation into which Fiji, under military control since December 2006, is driving itself.
“This represents a new setback for Fiji's relations with the international community after indications of gradual improvements earlier in the year. Fiji's interim government's restricting ties (Ed: with neighbouring countries) will only further its isolation and undermine all efforts towards re-engagement,” Ashton says, appealing to Fiji “to engage instead in meaningful dialogue with all its partners, including the EU”.
The high representative “reiterates her concern about military rule in Fiji and calls on the interim government to take steps to comply with the commitments previously made to the EU and the wider international community with regard to the respect for democratic principles, the rule of law and human rights and fundamental freedoms”. Ashton calls, in particular, for the repeal of the Public Emergency Regulations and the “start of an inclusive national dialogue process as repeatedly announced by the interim prime minister”.
The expulsion of the Australian diplomat follows the cancellation this week of the summit of the heads of state of the Melanesian group, with Fiji wanting to assume the rotating presidency. (A.N./transl.rt)