Browbeating warning

Press, 23 October 1989, Page 6

Browbeating warning

Oppositon by countries such as India to Fiji’s new constitution is a waste of breath, says the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Marshall.

While Fiji is not an issue at the Malaysian meeting of Commonwealth leaders, he Expects a push to be mounted for its return to membership at the 1991 conference. Mr Marshall said he has told Indian representatives that New Zealand does not endorse the proposed constitution , for Fiji, which would confirm ethnic Fijian domination of the political system. . "I think the cbhsitution is prob-

ably the best you are going to get,” he said. "If you think you are going to get something better by browbeating them internationally you are probably wasting your breath.” He has advised India and other countries with Indian populations, such as Mauritius, to listen to what South Pacific island States are saying about Fiji. Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, Mr Rabbie Namaliii, has twice publicly suggested at the .Kuala Lumpur conference that if Fiji wanted to return to 'the Commonwealth it would have his Government’s support.