MD Fiji welcomes CMAG's decision [1]
Friday, March 6, 2009 - 21:41. Updated on Friday, September 12, 2014 - 16:39.
The Movement for Democracy in Fiji (MDF) welcomes the decision of the recent Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) held in London on March 4, 2009.
The Decision is a clear indictment on the interim administration which is violating the fundamental international values contained in the Harare Commonwealth Declaration.
MDF Chairperson, Mr Attar Singh said, "the Commonwealth member countries were quite clear in the Harare Declaration of 1991 - they pledged to work for the protection and promotion of international political values namely democracy, democratic processes and institutions, fundamental human rights, the rule of law including the independence of the judiciary and, just and honest government.
Mr. Singh urged the "interim administration and coup apologists to refrain from making utterances that will force the Commonwealth to suspend Fiji...s membership of the body.
By virtue of being a member of the Commonwealth, Fiji is obliged to adhere to the international political values outlined in the Harare Declaration of 1991.
"We therefore urge the interim administration to heed the advice of the CMAG as failure to do so will result in the full suspension of Fiji from the Commonwealth and, be against the interests of the people of Fiji", Mr. Singh added.
Mr. Singh said "MDF is encouraged that the CMAG decision reinforces the outcomes of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders... Meeting in Papua New Guinea on 27 January this year". MD Fiji, 06/03/09.