Brussels, 27/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - Sanctions imposed on Fiji in 2007 for violation of the essential elements of the Cotonou Agreement (respect of human rights, rule of law and democratic principles) have been extended for two years until 30 September 2012. This decision was taken by the EU Council on 26 September, extending Decision 2007/641/EC, which is due to expire on 30 September.
Cooperation restrictions with Fiji had been adopted in 2007 further to the military coup of 5 December 2006, condemned by the EU. Consultation, which begun with the provisional government in April 2008 pursuant to Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement, had led that government to take commitments to remedy violations of human rights, fundamental freedoms, democratic principles and rule of law. The Council, however, notes that Fiji has unilaterally decided to violate a number of these commitments and considers it unfortunate that a series of failures has been observed since, in particular in April 2009. This above all concerns repeal of the Constitution, the considerable postponement of legislative elections, and human rights violations.
The above points were set out in the letter sent by the EU Council to the president of the Republic of the Fiji Islands, Ratu Epeli Nailatkau. In order to leave the door to dialogue open and in a spirit of partnership between the EU and 79 ACP (African/Caribbean/Pacific) countries, the EU states it is willing to engage in further talks of an official nature. It specifies in this respect that it is of the utmost importance that the provisional government should commit to open national political dialogue and that it should show proof of flexibility concerning the roadmap timetable, presented on 1 July 2009 by the interim prime minister, for reforms and a return to democratic order. Access by Fiji to financial resources of the 10th European Development Fund (10th EDF) are at stake. (AN/transl.jl)