Long term EU aid to Fiji still frozen

The European Union’s Council announced 29 March it is to extend its “appropriate measures” towards the Fiji for a further six months from 31 March. This means that no new support will be pledged for Fiji from the European Development Fund (EDF) until the country’s commitments on human rights and the rule of law are fulfilled. These include a firm date for holding new parliamentary elections.

The EU says its measures, which keep open a channel of negotiation with Fiji, will “…facilitate the country’s return to democracy and respect for human rights and the rule of law.” Humanitarian operations and direct support to civil society and democracy building continue.

The measures were first taken on 1 October 2007 in the wake of the military takeover on 5 December 2006 by Commodore Voreque Bainimarama. The EU deemed the coup a violation of democracy and the rule of law both “essential elements” of the Cotonou Agreement to which Fiji is still party.

Additional special assistance to the sugar industry also “depends on the democratic process”, says the EU statement. Allocations for 2007-2009 were cancelled.

The measures were first taken on 1 October 2007 in the wake of the military takeover on 5 December 2006 by Commodore Voreque Bainimarama which the EU deemed a violation of democracy and the rule of law, both “essential elements” of the Cotonou Agreement to which Fiji remains party. The measures have twice been extended and will now apply until 1 October 2010.

“The EU considers the extension of the measures as an opportunity for new discussions with the government of Fiji. A credible and inclusive process which would result in progress in the interim government's reform programme and early restoration of democracy would prepare the ground for new consultations,” reads the EU statement

It adds that the EU will continue to closely monitor the political situation in Fiji.