Brussels, 24/09/2009 (Agence Europe) - The restrictive measures imposed by the European Union on cooperation with Fiji have been extended for a further six months (until 31 March next year). This was decided without debate at the Council on 24 September. Issues being taken to task: non-respect of certain key commitments given by the Fiji authorities to the EU in view of a return to democracy, and a noticeable worsening in the situation, such as the repeal of the constitution and a lengthy postponement in holding elections, as well as violations in human rights.
Restrictive measures were decided on in October 2007 (decision 2007/641/EC) following a military coup d'état on 5 December 2005. They were imposed under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement for non-respect of essential elements in the article (respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law) and Article 37 of the Instrument for funding Development Cooperation.
During formal consultations that began in April 2007 between the EU and the ACP countries (Africa/Caribbean/Pacific) that signed the Cotonou Agreement, including the Fiji islands, the authorities in the islands made a commitment to rectify the situation, criticised by the Europeans.
The decision to extend the sanctions in force was accompanied by signs of openness by the EU. the latter explained that in a spirit of partnership, it is prepared to begin new formal consultations as soon as there is a reasonable prospect in view of a positive conclusions of these consultations. The road map focuses on reform and elections, recently presented by the prime minister of the provisional government and could provide the basis for new consultations. In the hypothesis of new consultations producing significant commitments from Fiji, the EU is committed to a rapid re-examination of the restrictive measures (in view of lifting them) and which are mainly hitting financial resources involved in sugar subsidies. On the other hand, these sanctions will be strengthened if the situation does not improve. (A.N./trans/rh)