Fiji: No Coup in Fiji
Written byPreetam Rai
David Stanley writes that coup fears have receded in Fiji” Prime Minister Qarase has shown himself to be a skillful politician able to bend for the greater good of his country, and Commodore Bainimarama has ably demonstrated his leadership skills and willingness to stand up for his principles. I predict that Bainimarama will become prime minister of Fiji after the 2011 elections.”
Written byPreetam Rai
1 comment
Actually, the situation has changed slightly since the above was posted, and Commodore Bainimarama has rejected Qarase’s compromise as insufficient. Qarase has only offered to review three pieces of controversial legislation (1) granting an amnesty to those involved in the May 2000 coup, (2) privatizing Fiji’s coastlines, and (3) setting up an indigenous claims tribunal. Bainimarama wants the legislation withdrawn. Unless one side or the other decides to bend, Fiji is headed into troubled waters.