Fiji launches attack on NZ Govt

Email
Print

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 9:45p.m.

Frank Bainimarama (Reuters)

Frank Bainimarama (Reuters)

The Fijian government has tonight called Australian and New Zealand policy towards them a failure.

In a statement posted on its website, the Fijian government says New Zealand is involved in a web of deceit, along with Australia and Tonga, over the handling of runaway Fijian Colonel Tevita Mara.

 

Mara, a former top-ranking member of the military government in Fiji, claimed he was rescued by the Tongan Navy after his boat broke down while fishing last month. He has since criticised the Fijian regime and the military government led by Frank Bainimarama, refusing to return there.

The statement is a clear change of attitude from the Fijian government and at times appears as almost a tirade against the governments of its Pacific neighbours. It accuses former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Murray McCully and Mara of being a "motley crew of opportunists, attempting to salvage their personal reputations".

 

It comes as Mara begins a round of public appearances in Australia.

A Fijian statement also says Tongan navy boats have occupied a disputed reef between the two island nations.

3 News

Become a fan of 3 News on Facebook and on Twitter.

Post a Comment

Before commenting, please take the time to read our moderation guide


(Won't be published)



Comments

13 Jun 2011 08:36a.m.

Richard Swamy wrote:

Who likes the Mara Clan? They are only for themselfs . Tevita forgets that Com Bainimara saved his Father when the rebels attacked him . Good on you Com Bainimara. What good was democracy in Fiji when there was corruption and bad leadership before . At least the sch children had free bus and free books under Com Bainimara.It seems NZ and Australia cannot digest Fiji becoming a top country in the South Pacific. We do not need Tevita Mara to come to NZ .How much money and Aid went to his Island when they were in power , God knows . At least COM Bainimara looks after all the people of Fiji . The rich are feeling the pinch. God defend FIJI.

12 Jun 2011 12:13p.m.

Ruz wrote:

Lesley. I take it that you support the methods deployed by Bainimarama in crushing disent and freedom of expression in Fiji. If you are trying to tell us that this is better than the system Bainimarama replaced (at the point of a gun) then you will need to do better.

12 Jun 2011 12:32a.m.

Lesley wrote:

Phil - Did Fiji have true democracy? You see - we need to know why the 2006 Coup happened.Do you know why Phil?

11 Jun 2011 06:39p.m.

Phil wrote:

So Lesley, if democracy is not working for you, it is OK to take over at the point of a gun? Sounds like Bananarama's thinking. And yes, I know that is not how he spells it.

11 Jun 2011 05:17p.m.

nick wrote:

@ well said Lesley, most people commenting dont have any idea about why the 2006 coup took place...if they did they might have a different opinion. Bainimarama wants everyone to be treated on an equal basis...regardless of bloodlines! thats why he is not popular here. As for the NZ govt, maybe they are worried that if he succeds that this type of thinking might spread through the whole pacific?

11 Jun 2011 01:13p.m.

Lesley wrote:

Nothing is ever that simple in Fiji Andy. You need to know the culture of Fiji and history of Fijian politics and all the sagas in between to understand why Fiji is in the position it is today. We in NZ do not understand Fiji so often judgement is passed without knowledge and understanding. Ask the question why Bainimarama took over. It is the "why" that we in NZ do not understand. Mainstream media have reacted subjectively rather than objectively and that is why we here in NZ really know little about "why" the 2006 Coup happened. Would be good if NZ media could start being more objective and tell us the "why".

11 Jun 2011 12:26p.m.

Kingi wrote:

Haha watch it frank your gonna get a smack down

11 Jun 2011 08:42a.m.

junior wrote:

NZ sud clean there onw back yard first and than intefere in fijis bussiness,,,were wer they in 2000 coup wen the ministers were kept hostage,,,,take out more time for the christchurch victims NZ

11 Jun 2011 08:36a.m.

Alison wrote:

Mara is doing a round of public appearances? If NZ is serious about Fijian sanctions then it should be full sanctions including sporting teams.

11 Jun 2011 07:55a.m.

Phil wrote:

The Fijian Govt. is an illegal one and should be treated as such. There are no excuses for what they are doing.