Fiji

Mr. Clifton-Brown
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations she has made to (a) the United Nations and (b) Australia regarding the conflict in Fiji; and what assistance the Government are prepared to commit to ensure the continuance of democratic government in Fiji.

Dr. Howells
On 28 November, the UN Secretary-General issued a statement expressing his concern over the possibility of a military coup in Fiji. On 29 November, the United Kingdom and the United States raised the situation in Fiji in UN Security Council consultations. The Security Council subsequently issued a statement urging the Fiji military to exercise restraint.

We are liaising closely with Australian officials in Suva, Canberra and the UK. We have also met with New Zealand officials in Suva, Canberra and the UK to discuss the situation in Fiji.

On 2 November, my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Trade issued a statement calling for a peaceful end to the dispute. A full copy of the statement can be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website at:

http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarkct/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029391629&a=KArticle&aid=1161593120968%20&year=2006&month=2006-11-01&date=2006-11-02

The FCO will continue to monitor the situation in Fiji closely.

On 27 November, the EU issued a statement expressing concern, which we strongly supported. A full copy of the statement can be found on the FCO website at:

http://wwv.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029391638&a=KArticle&aid=l163675899734

Mr. Clifton-Brown
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports she has received on (a) the talks between Fijian Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and military leaders in Fiji and (b) the military exercises being carried out in Suva by the Fijian army.

Dr. Howells
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has received no official reporting on the meeting between Prime Minister Qarase and Commander Bainimarama on 29 November.

We are in regular contact with our high commission in Suva regarding the current situation in Fiji and did receive reports on the military exercises which took place in Fiji between 29 November to 1 December.

On 5 December Commander Bainimarama announced that the military had assumed control of Fiji. Commander Bainimarama has taken on the role of President and appointed a caretaker Prime Minister. The FCO is monitoring the situation in Fiji closely and is continually reviewing the travel advice, which was last updated on 5 December to reflect the most recent developments. Our high commission in Suva remains in close contact with the British community in Fiji.

Mr. Clifton-Brown
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contribution her Department is making to the restoration of democracy in Fiji.

Mr. Hoon
On 5 December my right. hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary issued a press statement condemning the military coup in Fiji and calling for a return to democracy in Fiji as quickly as possible. A full copy of the statement can be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website at:

http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029391638&a=KArticle&aid=1163678514483.

My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Lord Triesman of Tottenham, will attend a meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group in London on Friday 8 December. The meeting will discuss the situation in Fiji and the Commonwealth's response. The Commonwealth Secretary General issued a statement on 5 December on the situation in Fiji, a full copy of which can be found on the Commonwealth Secretariat website at:

http://www.thecommonwealth.org/press/31555/157459/secretary_general_condemns_the_military_takeover_i.htm.

Britain is taking steps to suspend bilateral military assistance to Fiji and is considering further measures with EU and Commonwealth partners. The FCO is also liaising closely with the governments of Australia and New Zealand in support of efforts to bring about a restoration of democracy and constitutional government in Fiji.