H.E. Ratu Epeli NAILATIKAU
President of the Republic of Fiji Islands
Suva
Republic of Fiji Islands
Excellency,
The European Union attaches great importance to the provisions of Article 9 of the Cotonou Agreement and Article 3 of the Development Cooperation Instrument. The ACP-EC partnership is founded on respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law, which form the essential elements of the Cotonou Agreement and the basis of our relations.
On 11 December 2006 the Council of the European Union condemned the military takeover in Fiji.
Under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement, and considering that the military takeover on 5 December 2006 constituted a violation of the essential elements listed in Article 9 of that Agreement, the EU invited Fiji to consultations, as provided for in the Agreement, in order to thoroughly examine the situation and, where necessary, take steps to remedy it.
The formal part of those consultations began in Brussels on 18 April 2007. The EU was pleased that at the time the Interim Government confirmed a number of key commitments regarding human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for democratic principles and the rule of law, as noted below, and proposed positive steps regarding their implementation.
Regrettably, there have since been a series of regressive developments, in particular in April 2009, meaning that Fiji is now in breach of a range of its commitments. Such breaches include notably the abrogation of the Constitution, the very substantial delay in holding the parliamentary elections, and human rights violations. Although implementation of the commitments has been substantially delayed, the majority of those commitments remain highly relevant to Fiji’s present situation, and are therefore annexed to this letter. As Fiji has unilaterally decided to break a number of key commitments, this has led to losses for Fiji in terms of development funds.
However, in the spirit of partnership, which forms the cornerstone of the Cotonou Agreement, the EU expresses its readiness to engage in new formal consultations as soon as there is a reasonable prospect for a positive conclusion to such consultations. On 1 July 2009 the Interim Prime Minister presented a roadmap for reforms and for a return to democratic order. The EU stands ready to engage in dialogue regarding this roadmap, and to consider whether it may serve as a basis for new consultations. Accordingly, the EU has decided to extend the existing appropriate measures for Fiji in order to create a window of opportunity for new consultations. While some of the appropriate measures are now out-of-date, it has been concluded that rather than update them unilaterally, the EU prefers to further explore possibilities for new consultations with Fiji. Consequently, it is of particular importance that the Interim Government commits to an inclusive domestic political dialogue and to flexibility concerning the time-frame for the roadmap. While the EU’s position is, and always will be, guided by the essential elements of the revised Cotonou Agreement as well as its fundamental principles, notably regarding the pivotal role of dialogue and the fulfilment of mutual obligations, it is stressed that there are no foregone conclusions on the EU’s side regarding the outcome of future consultations.
If new consultations result in substantial commitments from Fiji, the EU is committed to an early, positive review of these appropriate measures. Conversely, if the situation in Fiji does not improve, then further losses of development funds for Fiji are set to continue. In particular, the assessment of progress made towards return to constitutional rule will guide the EU in the upcoming decisions on Accompanying Measures for Sugar Protocol Countries and 10th EDF National Indicative Programme with respect to Fiji.
Until new consultations have taken place the EU invites Fiji to continue and intensify the enhanced political dialogue.
The appropriate measures are as follows:
humanitarian aid and direct support to civil society may continue,
cooperation activities under way in particular under the 8th and 9th EDFs, may continue,
cooperation activities that would help the return to democracy and improve governance may be pursued, save under very exceptional circumstances,
implementation of the sugar reform accompanying measures for 2006 may proceed. The financing agreement was signed at technical level by Fiji on 19 June 2007. It is noted that the financing agreement includes a suspension clause,
the Interim Government’s acceptance on 19 June 2007 of the report of 7 June by the Pacific Islands Forum’s independent election experts is in line with Commitment No 1 agreed on 18 April 2007 between the Interim Government and the EU. Consequently, the preparation and eventual signing of the multi-annual indicative programme for sugar reform accompanying measures for 2008-2010 can proceed,
the finalisation, signing at technical level and implementation of the Country Strategy Paper and National Indicative Programme for the 10th EDF with an indicative financial envelope, as well as the possible allocation of an incentive tranche of up to 25 % of this sum, will be subject to respect of the commitments made with regard to human rights and the rule of law, notably: that the Interim Government upholds the Constitution, that the independence of the judiciary is fully respected, that the Public Emergency Regulations, reintroduced on 6 September 2007, are lifted as soon as possible, that all allegations of human rights infringements are investigated or dealt with in accordance with the various procedures and forums under the laws of the Fiji Islands, and that the Interim Government will use its best endeavours to prevent statements by security agencies designed to intimidate,
the 2007 sugar allocation was zero,
availability of the 2008 sugar allocation was subject to evidence of credible and timely preparation of elections in accordance with the agreed commitments, notably regarding a census, the redrafting of boundaries and electoral reform in accordance with the Constitution, and measures taken to ensure the functioning of the Elections Office, including the appointment of a Supervisor of Elections by 30 September 2007 in accordance with the Constitution. This 2008 sugar allocation was lost on 31 December 2009,
the 2009 sugar allocation was cancelled in May 2009 because the interim Government decided to delay general elections until September 2014,
the 2010 allocation will depend on progress made in the continuation of the democratic process,
additional support for the preparation and implementation of key commitments, in particular in support of the preparation and/or holding of elections, could be considered over and above what is described in this letter,
regional cooperation, and Fiji’s participation in it, is unaffected,
cooperation with the European Investment Bank and the Centre for the Development of Enterprise may continue subject to the timely fulfilment of commitments made.
Monitoring of the commitments will be in accordance with the commitments listed in the Annex to this letter concerning regular dialogue, cooperation with missions and reporting.
Furthermore, the EU expects Fiji to cooperate fully with the Pacific Islands Forum regarding the implementation of the recommendations by the Eminent Persons’ Group, as endorsed by the Forum Foreign Ministers at their meeting in Vanuatu on 16 March 2007.
The European Union will continue to follow the situation in Fiji closely. Under Article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement, an enhanced political dialogue will be conducted with Fiji to ensure respect for human rights, restoration of democracy and respect for the rule of law until both parties conclude that the enhanced nature of the dialogue has served its purpose.
If there is a slowing down, breakdown or reversal in the implementation by the Interim Government of the commitments made, the EU reserves the right to adjust the appropriate measures.
The EU stresses that Fiji’s privileges in its cooperation with the EU depend on respect for the essential elements of the Cotonou Agreement and the values referred to in the Development Cooperation Instrument. In order to convince the EU that the Interim Government is fully prepared to follow up on the commitments given, it is essential that early and substantial progress is made in the fulfilment of the agreed commitments.
Yours sincerely,
Done at Brussels,
For the Commission
For the Council
That free and fair parliamentary elections take place within 24 months from 1 March 2007, subject to the findings of an assessment to be carried out by the independent auditors appointed by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. The processes leading to the holding of the elections will be jointly monitored, adapted and revised as necessary on the basis of mutually agreed benchmarks. This implies in particular that:
by 30 June 2007 the Interim Government will adopt a schedule setting out dates for the completion of the various steps to be taken in preparation for the new parliamentary elections,
the schedule specifies the timing of a census, the redrafting of boundaries and electoral reform,
the determination of boundaries and electoral reform will be carried out in accordance with the Constitution,
measures will be taken to ensure the functioning of the Elections Office, including the appointment of a Supervisor of Elections by 30 September 2007 in accordance with the Constitution,
the appointment of the Vice-President will be in accordance with the Constitution.
That the Interim Government, when adopting major legislative, fiscal and other policy initiatives and changes, will take into account consultations with civil society and other relevant stakeholders.
That the Interim Government will use its best endeavours to prevent statements by security agencies designed to intimidate.
That the Interim Government upholds the 1997 Constitution and guarantees the normal and independent functioning of constitutional institutions, such as the Fiji Human Rights Commission, the Public Service Commission, and the Constitutional Offices Commission. The substantial independence and functioning of the Great Council of Chiefs will be preserved.
That the independence of the judiciary is fully respected, that it is allowed to work freely and that its rulings are respected by all concerned parties, in particular:
that the Interim Government undertakes to appoint the tribunal pursuant to Section 138(3) of the Constitution by 15 July 2007,
that any appointment and/or dismissal of judges is henceforth carried out in strict conformity with constitutional provisions and procedural rules,
that there will be no instances whatsoever of interference, of whatever form, by the military and the police or by the Interim Government with the judicial process, including full respect for the legal profession.
That all criminal proceedings in connection with corruption are dealt with through the appropriate judicial channels and that any other bodies that may be set up to investigate alleged cases of corruption will operate within constitutional boundaries.
The Interim Government will take all necessary steps to facilitate that all allegations of human rights infringements are investigated or dealt with in accordance with the various procedures and forums under the laws of the Fiji Islands.
The Interim Government will lift the Public Emergency Regulations in May 2007, subject to any threats to national security, public order and safety.
The Interim Government is committed to ensuring that the Fiji Human Rights Commission functions with full independence and in accordance with the Constitution.
That freedom of expression and freedom of the media, in all forms, are fully respected as provided in the Constitution.
That the Interim Government undertakes to maintain a regular dialogue to allow verification of the progress made and gives EU and EC authorities/representatives full access to information on all matters relating to human rights, the peaceful restoration of democracy and the rule of law in Fiji.
That the Interim Government cooperates fully with any missions from the EU and the EC to assess and monitor progress.
That the Interim Government sends progress reports every three months starting 30 June 2007 regarding the essential elements of the Cotonou Agreement and the commitments.
It is noted that certain issues can only be effectively addressed through a pragmatic approach that acknowledges the realities of the present and which focuses on the future.