Solomon Islands Prime Minister tells Fiji Military to exercise restraint

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, has called on the Fiji Military Forces to exercise restraint in its interim running of the country to protect Fiji’s future socio-economic progress and prosperity.

Mr Sogavare says the government believes last week’s removal of the democratically elected Government of Fiji by that country’s military forces, could have serious adverse effects on the ordinary citizens of Fiji.

He has also called for an urgent meeting of the Melanesian Spearhead Group to help re-establish dialogue between the opposing parties in Fiji to try to avoid economic sanctions against the country.

Mr Sogavare says his government is disappointed in the events of the past week and is concerned that a lack of cultural understanding will have serious implications for the people of Fiji.

He says the military must not be allowed to imperil the lives and welfare of the people of Fiji in its quest for a return to a civilian democratic government in Fiji.

Mr Sogavare says the impact of last week’s coup not only affected Fiji, but the entire Pacific region.

He says his Government attaches particular importance to the establishment of the Forum Task Force which has been requested to review the role of the RAMSI force in Solomon Islands.

Mr Sogavare says his government remains committed to the resolutions of the recent Forum meeting in Sydney, where Pacific member countries agreed to assist Fiji resolve the differences which exist between parties in Fiji.

Source: SIBC