N.Z. wants no ties with Fiji republic

Press, 8 October 1987, Page 1

N.Z. wants no ties with Fiji republic

BRENDON BURNS,

political reporter

While most of the Commonwealth awaited further developments in Fiji yesterday, the Prime Minister, Mr Lange, suggested the declaration of a republic could mean an end to air links, diplomatic ties and much nonaid assistance.

His tough stance at an early morning news conference contrasted with a Ministry of Foreign Affairs view, expressed minutes earlier to a Parliamentary foreign affairs and defence committee.

The Assistant Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr Terrence O'Brien, said New Zealand did not want an economic cot case in the region. If Fiji became one it would create further instability and at some stage New Zealand would have to come to the rescue.

Mr O’Brien said the Government should concentrate on its aid programme to Fiji as an expression of displeasure at Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka’s actions.

Mr Lange confirmed that the measures agreed by the Cabinet last week would be implemented if a republic were created. This included a drastic cut in the $5.7 million annual aid to Fiji, an end to guaranteed sugar prices which cost New Zealand about $5 million a year, and no resumption of military co-opera-tion.

Mr Lange went further, in an apparent attempt to warn the Governor-General, Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau, of the consequences of giving legitimacy to Colonel Rabuka’s actions.

“I am trying to see it is understood what consequences will follow from a regime mill-

tary in nature and oppressive in terms of democratic principle — and the Governor-General holds the key to that.” Mr Lange outlined areas where Fiji got assistance that was not direct aid, such as industry development support, civil aviation co-operation, medical staff training, help for Fijian students in New Zealand and maintenance of examination standards. Asked if curtailment of these might be added to the measures already announced, he said, "I think that is a very real possibility.” It was likely too that New Zealand’s High Commission in Suva would be closed. Also, he said Air Pacific’s landing rights in New Zealand could be terminated if a republic is created. The Australian Prime Minister, Mr Hawke, said late yesterday morning that he had spoken to Ratu Ganilau who had refused to accept the legitimacy of the newly-declared republic. Australia’s Foreign Minister, Mr Hayden, indicated, however, that it was taking a less aggressive line towards Fiji. T guess we can look at the situation now and see what we can do effectively. But we have to be realistic.”

Unless those holding power in Fiji were prepared to respond to initiatives proposed by foreign

nations, there was not much these countries could do, said Mr Hayden. Britain’s Foreign Office did not immediately answer the proclamation of a republic. There was no official comment from Buckingham Palace.

Commonwealth sources expressed fears that little could be done to change the situation. The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Sir Shridath Ramphal, has repeatedly condemned Colonel Rabuka’s actions and spoken of disturbing parallels with South Africa.

That was a theme Mr Lange rehearsed yesterday. He said New Zealanders were very sensitive on issues of racial discrimination and therefore this, country’s response might be different from that of other countries.

The Leader of the Opposition, Mr Bolger, joined the Prime Minister in condemning the declaration of a republic in Fiji. It was a great leap backwards, he said.

New Zealand was placed in a difficult position, however, because it could not ignore the country. "Fiji is in our own backyard and what happens there is of acute concern to New Zealand.”

Rata Ganilau rejects republic, page 4