

Currently released so far... 12404 / 251,287
Browse latest releases
2010/12/01
2010/12/02
2010/12/03
2010/12/04
2010/12/05
2010/12/06
2010/12/07
2010/12/08
2010/12/09
2010/12/10
2010/12/11
2010/12/12
2010/12/13
2010/12/14
2010/12/15
2010/12/16
2010/12/17
2010/12/18
2010/12/19
2010/12/20
2010/12/21
2010/12/22
2010/12/23
2010/12/24
2010/12/25
2010/12/26
2010/12/27
2010/12/28
2010/12/29
2010/12/30
2011/01/01
2011/01/02
2011/01/04
2011/01/05
2011/01/07
2011/01/09
2011/01/10
2011/01/11
2011/01/12
2011/01/13
2011/01/14
2011/01/15
2011/01/16
2011/01/17
2011/01/18
2011/01/19
2011/01/20
2011/01/21
2011/01/22
2011/01/23
2011/01/24
2011/01/25
2011/01/26
2011/01/27
2011/01/28
2011/01/29
2011/01/30
2011/01/31
2011/02/01
2011/02/02
2011/02/03
2011/02/04
2011/02/05
2011/02/06
2011/02/07
2011/02/08
2011/02/09
2011/02/10
2011/02/11
2011/02/12
2011/02/13
2011/02/14
2011/02/15
2011/02/16
2011/02/17
2011/02/18
2011/02/19
2011/02/20
2011/02/21
2011/02/22
2011/02/23
2011/02/24
2011/02/25
2011/02/26
2011/02/27
2011/02/28
2011/03/01
2011/03/02
2011/03/03
2011/03/04
2011/03/05
2011/03/06
2011/03/07
2011/03/08
2011/03/09
2011/03/10
2011/03/11
2011/03/13
2011/03/14
2011/03/15
2011/03/16
2011/03/17
2011/03/18
2011/03/19
2011/03/20
2011/03/21
2011/03/22
2011/03/23
2011/03/24
2011/03/25
2011/03/26
2011/03/27
2011/03/28
2011/03/29
2011/03/30
2011/03/31
2011/04/01
2011/04/02
2011/04/03
2011/04/04
2011/04/05
2011/04/06
2011/04/07
2011/04/08
2011/04/09
2011/04/10
2011/04/11
2011/04/12
2011/04/13
2011/04/14
2011/04/15
2011/04/16
2011/04/17
2011/04/18
2011/04/19
2011/04/20
2011/04/21
2011/04/22
2011/04/23
2011/04/24
2011/04/25
2011/04/26
2011/04/27
2011/04/28
2011/04/29
2011/04/30
Browse by creation date
Browse by origin
Embassy Athens
Embassy Asuncion
Embassy Astana
Embassy Asmara
Embassy Ashgabat
Embassy Apia
Embassy Ankara
Embassy Amman
Embassy Algiers
Embassy Addis Ababa
Embassy Accra
Embassy Abuja
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Embassy Abidjan
Consulate Auckland
Consulate Amsterdam
Consulate Adana
American Institute Taiwan, Taipei
Embassy Bujumbura
Embassy Buenos Aires
Embassy Budapest
Embassy Bucharest
Embassy Brussels
Embassy Bridgetown
Embassy Bratislava
Embassy Brasilia
Embassy Bogota
Embassy Bishkek
Embassy Bern
Embassy Berlin
Embassy Belmopan
Embassy Belgrade
Embassy Beirut
Embassy Beijing
Embassy Banjul
Embassy Bangkok
Embassy Bandar Seri Begawan
Embassy Bamako
Embassy Baku
Embassy Baghdad
Consulate Barcelona
Embassy Copenhagen
Embassy Conakry
Embassy Colombo
Embassy Chisinau
Embassy Caracas
Embassy Canberra
Embassy Cairo
Consulate Curacao
Consulate Ciudad Juarez
Consulate Chennai
Consulate Casablanca
Consulate Cape Town
Consulate Calgary
Embassy Dushanbe
Embassy Dublin
Embassy Doha
Embassy Djibouti
Embassy Dili
Embassy Dhaka
Embassy Dar Es Salaam
Embassy Damascus
Embassy Dakar
Consulate Dubai
Embassy Helsinki
Embassy Harare
Embassy Hanoi
Consulate Ho Chi Minh City
Consulate Hermosillo
Consulate Hamilton
Consulate Hamburg
Consulate Halifax
Embassy Kyiv
Embassy Kuwait
Embassy Kuala Lumpur
Embassy Kinshasa
Embassy Kingston
Embassy Kigali
Embassy Khartoum
Embassy Kathmandu
Embassy Kampala
Embassy Kabul
Consulate Kolkata
Embassy Luxembourg
Embassy Luanda
Embassy London
Embassy Ljubljana
Embassy Lisbon
Embassy Lima
Embassy Lilongwe
Embassy La Paz
Consulate Lahore
Consulate Lagos
Mission USOSCE
Mission USNATO
Mission UNESCO
Embassy Muscat
Embassy Moscow
Embassy Montevideo
Embassy Monrovia
Embassy Minsk
Embassy Mexico
Embassy Mbabane
Embassy Maputo
Embassy Manila
Embassy Manama
Embassy Managua
Embassy Malabo
Embassy Madrid
Consulate Munich
Consulate Mumbai
Consulate Montreal
Consulate Monterrey
Consulate Milan
Consulate Melbourne
Embassy Nicosia
Embassy New Delhi
Embassy Ndjamena
Embassy Nassau
Embassy Nairobi
Consulate Naples
Consulate Naha
Embassy Pristina
Embassy Pretoria
Embassy Prague
Embassy Port Of Spain
Embassy Port Louis
Embassy Port Au Prince
Embassy Phnom Penh
Embassy Paris
Embassy Paramaribo
Embassy Panama
Consulate Peshawar
REO Basrah
Embassy Rome
Embassy Riyadh
Embassy Riga
Embassy Reykjavik
Embassy Rangoon
Embassy Rabat
Consulate Rio De Janeiro
Consulate Recife
Secretary of State
Embassy Suva
Embassy Stockholm
Embassy Sofia
Embassy Skopje
Embassy Singapore
Embassy Seoul
Embassy Sarajevo
Embassy Santo Domingo
Embassy Santiago
Embassy Sanaa
Embassy San Salvador
Embassy San Jose
Consulate Strasbourg
Consulate St Petersburg
Consulate Shenyang
Consulate Shanghai
Consulate Sao Paulo
Embassy Tunis
Embassy Tripoli
Embassy Tokyo
Embassy The Hague
Embassy Tel Aviv
Embassy Tehran
Embassy Tegucigalpa
Embassy Tbilisi
Embassy Tashkent
Embassy Tallinn
Consulate Toronto
Consulate Tijuana
USUN New York
USEU Brussels
US Office Almaty
US Mission Geneva
US Interests Section Havana
US Delegation, Secretary
UNVIE
Embassy Ulaanbaatar
Embassy Vilnius
Embassy Vienna
Embassy Vatican
Embassy Valletta
Consulate Vladivostok
Consulate Vancouver
Browse by tag
ASEC
AE
AF
AM
AR
AJ
AU
AORC
AG
AEMR
AMGT
APER
AGMT
AL
AFIN
AO
AMED
ADCO
AS
ABUD
ABLD
ASUP
ASECKFRDCVISKIRFPHUMSMIGEG
APECO
AID
AND
AMBASSADOR
AN
ARM
AY
AODE
AMG
ASCH
AMCHAMS
ARF
APCS
APEC
ASEAN
AGAO
ANET
ADPM
ACOA
ACABQ
AORL
AFFAIRS
ATRN
ACS
AFSI
AFSN
ADANA
ASIG
AA
AX
AUC
AC
AECL
AADP
AGRICULTURE
AMEX
ACAO
ACBAQ
AQ
AORG
ADM
AINF
AIT
ASEX
AGR
AROC
ATFN
AFGHANISTAN
AFU
AER
ALOW
AZ
AVERY
BA
BY
BU
BR
BE
BL
BO
BK
BM
BILAT
BH
BEXP
BF
BTIO
BC
BBSR
BMGT
BTIU
BG
BWC
BB
BD
BX
BP
BRUSSELS
BN
BIDEN
BT
CW
CH
CF
CD
CV
CVIS
CM
CE
CA
CJAN
CLINTON
CIA
CU
CASC
CI
CO
CACM
CDB
CN
CMGT
CS
CG
CBW
CIS
CR
CONDOLEEZZA
CPAS
CAN
CWC
CY
COUNTER
CDG
CL
CT
CIC
CIDA
CSW
CHR
CB
CODEL
COUNTERTERRORISM
CTR
COM
CICTE
CFED
CJUS
CKGR
CBSA
CEUDA
CARSON
CONS
CITEL
CLMT
CROS
CITT
CAC
CVR
CDC
CAPC
COPUOS
CBC
CBE
CARICOM
COE
COUNTRY
CLEARANCE
CACS
CTM
CNARC
ECON
EFIN
ETRD
EUN
EFIS
EG
ETTC
EZ
EPET
EAID
EAGR
ENRG
ECUN
EU
ELAB
ECPS
EAIR
EINV
ELTN
EWWT
EIND
EMIN
EI
ECIN
ENVR
ELECTIONS
EINVEFIN
EN
ES
ER
EC
EUC
EINT
EINVETC
ENGR
ET
EK
ENIV
ETRDEINVECINPGOVCS
ECONOMY
EAP
EFTA
EUR
EUMEM
EXIM
ERD
ENERG
EUREM
ESA
ERNG
EXTERNAL
EPA
EINVECONSENVCSJA
ECONOMICS
ELN
EINN
EFINECONCS
ENNP
EEPET
ETRDEINVTINTCS
ENVI
ETRO
ESENV
ECINECONCS
ECONOMIC
EAIDS
EDU
ETRA
ETRN
EFIM
EIAR
ETRC
EAIG
EXBS
EURN
ECIP
EREL
ECA
ENGY
ECONCS
ECONEFIN
ETC
ETRDECONWTOCS
EUNCH
EINDETRD
IR
IZ
IS
IAEA
INRB
IRAJ
IQ
IN
IT
IMO
INTERPOL
ICAO
IO
IC
ITALY
ITALIAN
IRAQI
ICTY
ID
IPR
IWC
ILC
INTELSAT
IL
IBRD
IMF
IA
IRC
ICRC
ILO
ITU
ITRA
IV
IDA
IAHRC
ICJ
ISRAELI
IRS
INMARSAT
ISRAEL
ISLAMISTS
INDO
IZPREL
ITPHUM
ITPGOV
ITF
IBET
IEFIN
INR
IACI
INTERNAL
IDP
IGAD
IEA
ICTR
IIP
INRA
INRO
IF
KJUS
KSCA
KNNP
KU
KCOR
KCRM
KDEM
KTFN
KHLS
KPAL
KWBG
KACT
KGHG
KPAO
KTIA
KIRF
KWMN
KS
KG
KZ
KN
KMDR
KISL
KSPR
KHIV
KPRP
KAWK
KR
KUNR
KDRG
KCIP
KGCC
KTIP
KSUM
KPKO
KVIR
KAWC
KPIN
KGIC
KRAD
KIPR
KOLY
KCFE
KMCA
KE
KV
KICC
KNPP
KBCT
KSEP
KFRD
KFLU
KVPR
KOCI
KBIO
KSTH
KMPI
KCRS
KOMC
KTBT
KPLS
KIRC
KREL
KFRDKIRFCVISCMGTKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KFLO
KBTS
KSTC
KTDB
KFSC
KX
KFTFN
KNEI
KIDE
KREC
KMRS
KICA
KPAONZ
KCGC
KSAF
KRGY
KCMR
KRVC
KVRP
KSEO
KCOM
KAID
KTEX
KNUC
KNAR
KNUP
KNNPMNUC
KLIG
KFRDCVISCMGTCASCKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KCRCM
KHDP
KGIT
KNSD
KOMS
KWMM
KPAI
KHSA
KTLA
KO
KMFO
KRCM
KCSY
KSAC
KTRD
KPWR
KID
KWNM
KRIM
KPOA
KCHG
KOM
KSCI
KFIN
KMOC
KESS
KWAC
KMIG
KSEC
KIFR
KDEMAF
KPRV
KBTR
KERG
KTER
KDDG
KPAK
KRFD
KHUM
KDEV
KCFC
KWWMN
KWMNCS
KJUST
MARR
MOPS
MU
MTCRE
MNUC
MY
MASS
MCAP
MOPPS
MAR
MPOS
MO
ML
MR
MASC
MX
MD
MP
MA
MTRE
MIL
MCC
MZ
MK
MDC
MRCRE
MAPS
MV
MI
MEPN
MAPP
MEETINGS
MAS
MTS
MLS
MILI
MTCR
MG
MC
MARAD
MIK
MILITARY
MEDIA
MEPI
MUCN
MEPP
MT
MERCOSUR
MW
MASSMNUC
MQADHAFI
NZ
NATO
NG
NI
NO
NATIONAL
NU
NPT
NIPP
NL
NPG
NS
NA
NGO
NP
NSG
NDP
NAFTA
NR
NC
NH
NE
NSF
NPA
NK
NSSP
NRR
NATOPREL
NSC
NT
NW
NORAD
NEW
NV
NSFO
NAR
NASA
NZUS
OTRA
OVIP
OPRC
OPDC
OSCE
OAS
ODIP
OIIP
OFDP
OVP
OREP
OFFICIALS
OSAC
OEXC
OPCW
OIE
OIC
OFDA
OSCI
OPIC
OBSP
OECD
ON
OCII
OHUM
OES
OCS
OMIG
OPAD
OTR
PGOV
PREL
PHUM
PINR
PTER
PSOE
PINS
PARM
PK
PBTS
PEPR
PM
POLITICAL
PARTIES
PREF
PBIO
PROP
PA
PSI
PINT
PO
PKFK
PL
PAK
PE
POLITICS
PINL
POL
PHSA
PU
PF
POV
PFOR
PHALANAGE
PARTY
PARMS
PRGOV
PNAT
POLINT
PRAM
PMAR
PG
PAO
PROG
PRELP
PPA
PCUL
PSEPC
PSA
PREO
PAHO
PGIV
PREFA
PALESTINIAN
PAIGH
POSTS
PTBS
PGOVLO
PORG
PGOVE
PLN
PINF
PAS
PUNE
POLICY
PDEM
PDOV
PCI
PGOVSMIGKCRMKWMNPHUMCVISKFRDCA
PBT
PHUMPGOV
PMIL
PNG
PP
PS
PHUH
PECON
POGOV
PY
PHUMPREL
PHUS
PRL
PGOC
PNR
PGGV
PROV
PTERE
PGOF
PHUMBA
PEL
RS
RU
RW
REGION
RP
RICE
ROBERT
RSP
RUPREL
RM
RO
RCMP
RSO
RELATIONS
REACTION
REPORT
RIGHTS
ROOD
RF
RFE
RIGHTSPOLMIL
SP
SA
SY
SF
SYR
SENV
SCUL
SOCI
SNAR
SO
SU
SG
STEINBERG
SHUM
SW
SMIG
SR
SZ
SIPRS
SI
SAARC
SPCE
SARS
SN
SYRIA
SANC
SL
SCRS
SC
SENVKGHG
SAN
SNARCS
SHI
SWE
SNARIZ
SIPDIS
SEN
SNARN
SPCVIS
SEVN
SSA
SH
SOFA
SK
ST
TPHY
TU
TRGY
TI
TX
TS
TW
TC
TFIN
TD
TSPA
TH
TT
TIP
TBIO
TSPL
TZ
TERRORISM
TRSY
TN
THPY
TINT
TF
TL
TV
TK
TO
TP
TURKEY
TNGD
TBID
TAGS
TR
UP
US
UNSC
UK
UZ
UE
UNESCO
UV
UNGA
UN
UNMIK
UNO
UY
UAE
UNEP
UG
UNHCR
UNHRC
USUN
UNAUS
USTR
USNC
USOAS
UNCHR
UNCSD
UNDP
USEU
USPS
UNDC
UNDESCO
UNCHC
UNFICYP
UNC
UNODC
UNPUOS
UNCND
UNICEF
UNCHS
UNVIE
USAID
UNIDROIT
Browse by classification
Community resources
courage is contagious
Viewing cable 06SUVA255, FIJI'S MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT TALKING AGAIN
If you are new to these pages, please read an introduction on the structure of a cable as well as how to discuss them with others. See also the FAQs
Understanding cables
Every cable message consists of three parts:
- The top box shows each cables unique reference number, when and by whom it originally was sent, and what its initial classification was.
- The middle box contains the header information that is associated with the cable. It includes information about the receiver(s) as well as a general subject.
- The bottom box presents the body of the cable. The opening can contain a more specific subject, references to other cables (browse by origin to find them) or additional comment. This is followed by the main contents of the cable: a summary, a collection of specific topics and a comment section.
Discussing cables
If you find meaningful or important information in a cable, please link directly to its unique reference number. Linking to a specific paragraph in the body of a cable is also possible by copying the appropriate link (to be found at theparagraph symbol). Please mark messages for social networking services like Twitter with the hash tags #cablegate and a hash containing the reference ID e.g. #06SUVA255.
Reference ID | Created | Released | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|---|
06SUVA255 | 2006-07-02 18:06 | 2011-04-28 00:12 | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | Embassy Suva |
VZCZCXRO7096
RR RUEHPB
DE RUEHSV #0255/01 1831820
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 021820Z JUL 06
FM AMEMBASSY SUVA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 3154
INFO RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD 0030
RUEHBY/AMEMBASSY CANBERRA 1241
RUEHPB/AMEMBASSY PORT MORESBY 0855
RUEHWL/AMEMBASSY WELLINGTON 1032
RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL
RHHJJAA/JICPAC HONOLULU HI
RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 SUVA 000255
SIPDIS
NOFORN
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/03/2016
TAGS: PREL KPKO PGOV FJ NZ
SUBJECT: FIJI'S MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT TALKING AGAIN
REF: SUVA 109
Classified By: AMBASSADOR DINGER. SECTIONS 1.4 (B) AND (D).
Summary
-------
¶1. (C) Representatives of the Republic of Fiji Military
Forces (RFMF) and Fiji's Ministry of Home Affairs tell us a
June 23 meeting between RFMF Commander Bainimarama and Home
Affairs Minister Vosanibola appears to have helped put
civil-military relations in Fiji back on the right track.
RFMF senior officers who participated said all major
outstanding issues were raised, including the RFMF's desire
to join the coalition in Iraq. Few definitive decisions were
made, but most participants think the cooperative tone could
bode well for the future. However, in a private conversation
with the Ambassador, Bainimarama sounded much less
optimistic. He complained that Vosanibola knows almost
nothing about key military issues and should have been
replaced as Minister. Bainimarama expressed displeasure
about Vosanibola's conversation with New Zealand Minister for
Defense Phil Goff on June 22 in which both reportedly
endorsed the idea of having Fiji's Supreme Court rule on the
RFMF's proper role under the Fiji Constitution. End summary.
RFMF-Home Affairs Meeting: Generally Good Reviews
--------------------------------------------- ----
¶2. (C) Senior military officers who attended the June 23
reconciliation session between RFMF Commander Bainimarama and
Minister of Home Affairs Vosanibola told the Ambassador and
DATT June 24 that the event was very useful and positive.
The meeting lasted over five hours, with a ceremonial
exchange of whales' teeth and lots of kava drinking. RFMF
Commander Bainimarama and 15 military officers attended.
Minister of Home Affairs Vosanibola, CEO Korovavala and other
officials represented the Ministry. At one point, Korovavala
reportedly had tears streaming down his face. The officers
said virtually all outstanding civil-military issues were
discussed. While few definitive decisions were made, the
officers were impressed with the cooperative spirit that
pervaded the meeting and left feeling good about prospects
for improved civil-military relations.
¶3. (C) At a joint meeting with the Ambassador, DATT, and
DCM June 26, Korovavala and RFMF Chief of Staff Teleni agreed
that the meeting was very positive. Korovavala said
discussion was open and honest, and no issues were evaded.
He said a decision has been made by both the ministry and the
military to put the past behind them and "head in a new
direction."
RFMF Involvement in Iraq
------------------------
¶4. (C) One key issue that came up at the RFMF-Home Affairs
meetings was the RFMF's desire to join the Coalition of the
Willing in Iraq. According to participants, Home Affairs
referred to the 2003 government decision stipulating that the
RFMF could only participate in UN activities in Iraq. The
RFMF argued that the situation in Iraq is now totally
different from 2003, when a full-scale war was imminent. The
RFMF also noted that the UN has endorsed the Coalition's
efforts to combat the insurgency and reconstruct Iraq.
Korovavala told us June 26 that the Cabinet has called for a
review of Fiji's participation in Iraq and the Sinai, and
that a report to the Cabinet is due at the end of August.
Military Will Not be Downsized
------------------------------
¶5. (C) Korovavala and Teleni said a "defense white paper,"
which media articles have suggested contains a plan to
dramatically downsize the military, was also discussed at the
meeting. Korovavala said virtually all reporting on the
white paper has been wrong, confusing the as-yet-unwritten
defense paper with an already completed "security white
paper." Contrary to public perception, he said, the security
paper does not talk about military personnel levels. Teleni
chimed in, stating that the government has sent word to the
RFMF that personnel levels will be maintained. (Note: In a
statement June 7, RFMF spokesman Neumi Leweni said that
Vosanibola had informed the RFMF that the proposed defense
white paper has been set aside. Leweni also referred to
SUVA 00000255 002 OF 003
statements by the Prime Minister during the election campaign
stating that there would be no reduction in RFMF strength.)
Funding Request for "Peacekeeping Center"
-----------------------------------------
¶6. (C) Korovavala and Teleni made a joint pitch for the
U.S. to help fund a planned "peacekeeping center" at Black
Rock in western Fiji. Both spoke of Fiji's need to provide a
centralized training center for troops engaged in
peacekeeping activities around the world, and referred to
previous U.S. expressions of support for the concept. The
Ambassador and DATT said the United States would carefully
consider Fiji's request for funds and equipment, noting the
extensive assistance we give to the RFMF to help train Fiji
peacekeepers. We are helping send a large Fijian contingent
to Mongolia to participate in PKO exercises in August.
Korovavala said Fiji is very grateful for U.S. military
assistance, and he asked for updated dollar figures and
details that he could share with the Cabinet and the public.
The Ambassador tasked the DATT to provide all appropriate
information.
Commander Bainimarama Downplays Meeting with Home Affairs
--------------------------------------------- ------------
¶7. (C) In contrast to the upbeat reports from RFMF senior
officers, Commodore Bainimarama downplayed the significance
of the RFMF-Home Affairs meeting in a conversation with the
Ambassador on June 24. Bainimarama grumbled that, after two
years, Vosanibola still knows almost nothing about the
front-burner issues that affect the military. Thus, he was
not prepared to respond to the RFMF on any important items,
including the RFMF's desire to join the coalition in Iraq.
Bainimarama complained yet again that Vosanibola relies far
too much on CEO Korovavala for policy and decision-making
guidance, an inappropriate role for a CEO, who should be more
of a conduit for information exchange and dialogue.
Bainimarama said the appointment of former RFMF Chief of
Staff, Home Affairs CEO, and High Commissioner to Australia
Jioji Konrote as Minister of State for Immigration within the
Ministry of Home Affairs is positive. Konrote helped
organize the June 23 meeting and participated in it.
Bainimarama expressed disappointment that Konrote wasn't
picked to replace Vosanibola as Home Affairs Minister.
Displeasure with NZ Minister Goff
---------------------------------
¶8. (C) Bainimarama indicated that part of his pique with
Vosanibola related to the Minister's meeting with New Zealand
Trade and Defense Minister Goff on June 22. Bainimarama said
he participated sincerely in the reconciliation ceremony with
Vosanibola, only to hear afterward from others that on the
day before Vosanibola and Goff had endorsed a move by PM
Qarase to seek a Supreme Court opinion on the proper role of
the military under the Fiji Constitution. Bainimarama
clearly felt betrayed, and he asked the Ambassador
plaintively: "Why does the government think that is
necessary?" He suggested that the notion of asking for a
Supreme court ruling "doesn't make sense." When the
Ambassador referred to Bainimarama's numerous public
statements suggesting the RFMF has a major role to play in
the governance of Fiji, including to remove the sitting
government if necessary, and arguing that Fiji's Constitution
mandates such an active political role for the military,
Bainimarama denied ever suggesting the RFMF might remove the
Qarase government. He then acknowledged having said the RFMF
might have to "take over" if the government continued to
advocate passage of the Reconciliation, Tolerance and Unity
Bill (RTUB).
Support for Police Commissioner Hughes
--------------------------------------
¶9. (C) Interestingly, Bainimarama suggested to the
Ambassador that recent media criticism of Police Commissioner
Hughes (including a full-page article in the June 24 Fiji
Post) was very unfair. Bainimarama said Hughes, an Aussie,
has done an excellent job in improving the police force, but
Qarase Government policies, like the RTUB bill, foster an
atmosphere of lawlessness that undermines the police.
(Comment: As recently as March, Bainimarama and his RFMF
spokesman strongly criticized Hughes for allegedly taking
part in an Australian-led effort to shrink the size of Fiji's
SUVA 00000255 003 OF 003
military (reftel). We hear that when Bainimarama was in
Australia for defense talks in mid-June, Australian senior
officials made crystal clear their displeasure about
Bainimarama's critical remarks. End comment.)
Comment: Reason for Optimism?
------------------------------
¶10. (C) The new-found spirit of cooperation between the
RFMF and the government can be a very positive development.
Just about everyone in Fiji, except perhaps for Commodore
Bainimarama, has felt very nervous about a situation in which
the military commander and the government have not been not
on speaking terms. If personalities don't get in the way,
and especially if Fiji's new multiparty cabinet holds, a real
opportunity exists for the government and military to
establish the groundwork for a much more stable and positive
relationship.
DINGER