Brussels, 27/08/2013 (Agence Europe) - Sanctions imposed by the EU on Fiji in 2007 for violating essential elements of the Cotonou agreement (respect of human rights, rule of law and democratic principles) could be extended for 18 months until 31 March 2015. They may also be adapted, in particular to include strengthened political dialogue between the EU and the provisional government of the Republic of Fiji, according to a proposal from the European Commission put to the EU Council on 23 August.
The political dialogue provided for under Article 8 of the Cotonou agreement should allow all the commitments taken in 2007 to be reviewed together and for appropriate measures to be adapted in consequence. These are necessary steps that must be taken so that the two parties may attain the objective of strengthened dialogue, a draft letter addressed to the president of the Republic of Fiji, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, states. This flexibility will allow both parties to agree on commitments and the Fiji government to organise elections planned for September 2014. The EU welcomes the next stages that should lead to free and regular elections and bring Fiji back to a democratic regime.
Progress accomplished for restoring constitutional order will continue to guide decisions relating to resuming development cooperation between the two parties, and the EU confirms its willingness to begin programming resources available for Fiji in the 11th European Development Fund (EDF). The EU states in its draft letter that the finalisation, the signature and the implementation of the documents for planning the 11th EDF will then be considered with the future democratically-elected government.
Restrictions on cooperation with Fiji were adopted in 2007 following the military coup d'état of 5 December 2006, condemned by the EU. Consultation with the provisional government that began in April 2008 under Article 96 of the Cotonou agreement led to the latter taking commitments to remedy violations of human rights, fundamental liberties, democratic principles and rule of law. The Commission's proposal aims to extend and adapt Decision 2007/641/EC which is due to expire on 30 September 2013. Adapting restrictive measures on cooperation between the EU and Fiji was necessary as some of the commitments made no longer apply and others must be reviewed in light of the country's new legal framework. (AN/transl.jl)