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RUEHPB/AMEMBASSY PORT MORESBY PRIORITY 0947
RUEHWL/AMEMBASSY WELLINGTON PRIORITY 1132
RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI PRIORITY
RHHJJAA/JICPAC HONOLULU HI PRIORITY

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 SUVA 000483 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/08/2016 
TAGS: PREL MARR ASEC CASC FJ
SUBJECT: FIJI UPDATE: 11/8: BAINIMARAMA SPEAKS; DENIES 
REFORM DEADLINE 
 
REF: SUVA 479 
 
Classified By: Amb. Dinger.  Sec. 1.4 (B,D) 
 
Summary 
------- 
¶1. (C) Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander 
Bainimarama spoke to the media for the first time since 
returning from abroad last weekend.  He raised many previous 
themes and attacked PM Qarase for a litany of faults, a 
number of them relating to events of 2000, others more 
recent.  Bainimarama said the RFMF understands its 
subservient role, but it does not consider the current 
situation democratic.  He asked foreigners to see both sides 
of the story, while renewing the RFMF's verbal attack on 
Australia.  He defended himself and the RFMF in the face of 
police investigations.  He concluded that, sadly, a barrage 
of lies is taking Fiji "fast into the abyss."  Reportedly, 
Bainimarama told the press he has set no time frame for 
Qarase to resign, though the prepared remarks did not include 
that statement.  In the meantime, the RFMF plans to keep 
reserves in camp for an additional week, and a meeting Police 
Commissioner Hughes has sought with Bainimarama has been 
postponed until at least next week.  End summary. 
 
RFMF planning next steps 
------------------------ 
¶2. (C) RFMF senior officers were huddled in a meeting at 
Queen Elizabeth Barracks for much of Wed. Nov. 8.  They 
reportedly were discussing Commodore Bainimarama's 
participation in tomorrow's Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) 
meeting and preparing Bainimarama for a media conference 
today (see below), his first public appearance since 
returning to Fiji last weekend.  The RFMF spokesman later 
reported to us that Bainimarama intends to be very outspoken 
before the GCC.  Per below, he followed the same course with 
the media, regenerating familiar themes.  The one new and 
significant element appeared to be a reported brief mention 
during Q&A that the RFMF has no time frame for PM Qarase to 
resign. 
 
Attacks on Qarase, a villain of 2000 
------------------------------------ 
¶3. (U) In prepared remarks, Bainimarama accused PM Qarase of 
misleading the nation, and said the recent attempt to remove 
him as Commander RFMF showed "the lack of integrity, moral 
courage, and sound judgment which has been the hallmark of 
Qarase's leadership."  Bainimarama complained that Qarase has 
regularly visited a high chief in jail, where the chief is 
serving a sentence for 2000 coup/mutiny-related crimes, to 
seek policy advice.  Bainimarama repeatedly referred to 2000, 
saying "we must address the past to be able to move forward." 
 He described the reconciliation (RTUB) bill as an 
"endorsement of the 2000 crisis."  He suggested the Great 
Council of Chiefs (GCC) is used only when it suits the 
government's agenda.  He said the Qarase government 
"continues to misread the military and its resolve to once 
and for all rid Fiji of the lies that George Speight brought 
to the land and which has continued with Qarase and his 
leadership."  Bainimarama alluded to two rumored meetings 
from 2000 that he has privately alleged implicated Qarase in 
efforts to subvert the Presidency. 
 
RFMF understands its subservient role; but... 
--------------------------------------------- 
¶4. (U) Bainimarama gave assurance that the RFMF understands 
"better than most people think we do" that the military 
should be subservient "to the political masters."  However, 
"with the current leadership, we do not see Fiji as 
democratic."  He noted Fiji has had coups and "unless the 
government finds ways and means to rid Fiji of this coup 
mentality we cannot see ourselves as free."  He said that 
requires good governance.  He decried the 2006 elections that 
were "flawed in all aspects."  He referred to the 
"agriculture scam" trial now under way in Suva as evidence of 
past problems.  He said the RFMF supports the multi-party 
government, but he expressed skepticism about any meaningful 
accomplishments.  Bainimarama described the RFMF as 
representing the "silent majority" that won't entertain 
recent government policies and a continuation of the wrongs 
of 2000.  Bainimarama said "claims have been made that the 
RFMF wants to lead the country, but we would like to 
reiterate that our concern is for good governance and nothing 
more.  We do not want them to resign unless they change the 
direction our ship is heading (sic)." 
 
A plea for foreigners to see both sides of the story 
--------------------------------------------- ------- 
 
SUVA 00000483  002 OF 002 
 
 
¶5. (U) Bainimarama raised the issue of 8 Australians who he 
believes entered Fiji suspiciously.  He said the Australian 
DATT denied any knowledge of them, so the RFMF will consider 
them "mercenaries."  On the other hand, Bainimarama said New 
Zealand had acted appropriately concerning their additional 
personnel.  He turned to the international community and 
asked them to see "two sides of the story and not persecute 
us too quickly" since the people of Fiji everyday see "Fijian 
politics at its worst." 
 
Surprise at Police Commissioner's change in attitude 
--------------------------------------------- ------- 
¶6. (U) Bainimarama expressed surprise at the Commissioner of 
Police's "recent change in attitude" toward the RFMF which 
"has caused unnecessary tension."  Bainimarama said the 
decision to investigate him "is not in the interest of crime 
prevention" but is to remove him from office as a result of 
political pressure.  Bainimarama defended the RFMF's removal 
of ammunition from the Suva wharf. 
 
A barrage of lies...taking Fiji fast into the abyss 
--------------------------------------------- ------ 
¶7. (U) Bainimarama concluded with attacks on a couple of his 
Fijian nationalist critics, saying there has been a "barrage 
of lies" that is "taking this wonderful country called Fiji 
fast into the abyss." 
 
Watering down of ultimatum? 
--------------------------- 
¶8. (U) An observer at the press conference reportedly heard 
Bainimarama say his only demands are that controversial bills 
be withdrawn and that Qarase practice good governance.  The 
Commodore reportedly said he has set no time frame for Qarase 
to resign, and as soon as the PM is ready to talk on the 
issues, Bainimarama will meet with him.  The prepared text 
did not include those themes. 
 
Military camp extended a week 
----------------------------- 
¶9. (U) In the meantime, Captain Teleni announced that a 
military training camp for a thousand or more reservist 
(territorial) troops that was to end on Sunday has now been 
extended to Friday, Nov. 17.  Teleni reportedly told the 
troops that they should remain "firm and loyal" to the RFMF, 
remembering that "whatever is happening in Fiji today is 
God's calling on the military." 
 
Police Commissioner meeting with Bainimarama put off 
--------------------------------------------- ------- 
¶10. (U) Police Commissioner Hughes reportedly has heard from 
the RFMF that Bainimarama will not be available to meet until 
at least next week.  He is "on leave." 
 
Comment 
------- 
¶11. (C) Commodore Bainimarama's press conference was vintage 
Frank.  He hit many past themes, including his perception 
that the Qarase Government needs to shape up or ship out; and 
his doubts about Qarase's motives for Fiji.  The remark about 
the RFMF recognizing its subservient role is worth noting, 
although it is hard to reconcile that statement with so many 
of his other recent statements, including aspects of today's 
remarks.  Thankfully, Bainimarama did not reiterate an 
ultimatum on resignation, though presumably one quote (see 
para 4) was intended to regurgitate the resignation theme in 
general. 
DINGER