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C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 SUVA 000486 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/09/2016 
TAGS: PREL MARR ASEC CASC FJ
SUBJECT: FIJI UPDATE 11/9: BAINIMARAMA SKIPS GCC; QARASE 
LAYS OUT HIS CASE; DELEGATION TO CAMP 
 
REF: SUVA 483 
 
Classified By: Amb. Dinger.  Sec. 1.4 (B,D). 
 
Summary 
------- 
¶1. (C) Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander 
Bainimarama declined to attend Fiji's Great Council of Chiefs 
(GCC) session on Nov. 9, claiming the chiefs' minds were 
already made up.  PM Qarase told the GCC he is ready to 
discuss a list of issues the Army provided him yesterday.  He 
said the key, though, is the Army's role in governance. 
Qarase elaborated on his views of three controversial bills, 
which he said "will not be withdrawn" but which are open for 
discussion and revision.  Qarase said the current crisis 
between two Fijian-led institutions merits GCC consideration. 
 In the p.m., the GCC decided to send a chiefly delegation to 
attempt to meet with Bainimarama at the Army camp before a 
second day of discussion takes place Friday.  On the side, 
Fiji's Cabinet on Tuesday considered several "good 
governance" bills that have been long awaited; Australia 
reiterated that its recently arrived contingent of troops is 
not a mercenary force; and the Ministry of Home Affairs CEO 
has been suspended, presumably for colluding with the 
military. End summary. 
 
Bainimarama: my way or the highway 
---------------------------------- 
¶2. (C) RFMF Commander Bainimarama decided not to attend the 
Great Council of Chiefs meeting on Nov. 9.  He told the media 
that his only interest in attending was if the GCC would 
endorse his views; but he could see that the GCC was going to 
take the Government's side.  Asked if the GCC might be a 
useful means for stimulating useful discussion on ways out of 
Fiji's current crisis, Bainimarama, in effect, said: only if 
they accept the Army's point of view. 
 
Qarase: ready for talks 
----------------------- 
¶3. (U) PM Qarase did attend the GCC meeting.  In prepared 
remarks, he noted that the Army delivered a document to him 
Wednesday with a list of issues to be discussed.  Qarase said 
he is ready to engage in talks.  He described the basic issue 
as the Army's role in Fiji.  That question has now been 
referred to the Supreme Court.  Qarase noted that the Army 
has objected to three bills: the reconciliation (RTUB) bill; 
the qoliqoli (foreshore rights) bill; and the Indigenous 
Claims Tribunal (ICT) bill.  Qarase said that Bainimarama, 
shortly after appointing Qarase as interim PM in July 2000, 
had endorsed all three bills in concept.  On the RTUB, Qarase 
recalled a healthy public debate that has led to a revised 
bill, yet to be introduced, in which the amnesty clause is 
"dropped." 
 
Tells GCC all sides will have opportunity to debate bills 
--------------------------------------------- ------------ 
¶4. (U) Qarase said the Qoliqoli and ICT bills, which have 
been introduced, are important to the Fijian people, since 
they will safeguard Fijian interests through Fijian 
administrative mechanisms.  He stressed that everyone accepts 
the 1997 Constitution and its themes of good governance, 
equality under the law, and a prohibition on discrimination 
based on ethnicity.  Yet, he said, the 1987 and 1999 
elections (that brought ethnic-Indian-dominated parties to 
power), were a "harsh reminder" that Fijian leadership is "no 
longer guaranteed in a democracy."  Fijian mechanisms that 
protect Fijian rights are necessary.  Thus, the qoliqoli and 
ICT bills "will not be withdrawn."  Still, he promised 
extensive Parliamentary reviews, as took place with the RTUB, 
taking into account the interests of the whole population. 
 
Crisis is Fijian v. Fijian; need reconciliation for all 
--------------------------------------------- ---------- 
¶5. (U) Qarase concluded by observing that Fiji's current 
crisis is between a Fijian-led government and a Fijian-led 
army.  Thus, the GCC is an appropriate forum for seeking wise 
advice.  He expressed hope leaders of Fiji can "find our way 
to peace and reconciliation for all." 
 
GCC delegation to Army Camp; meeting to resume tomorrow 
--------------------------------------------- ---------- 
¶6. (U) In late afternoon, the GCC adjourned, with a second 
session planned for Friday.  In the meantime, a delegation of 
chiefs from the Kubuna Confederacy, which claims the 
allegiance of Bainimarama's clan, is to visit the Army camp 
in an attempt to discuss the pending issues with Bainimarama 
directly. 
 
 
SUVA 00000486  002 OF 002 
 
 
Cabinet moves on "good governance" bills 
---------------------------------------- 
¶7. (C) Meanwhile, in a meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 7, the Fiji 
Cabinet received and decided to circulate among stakeholders 
a "Standards of Leadership Conduct" bill; approved in 
principle a draft "Freedom of Information" bill; approved the 
drafting of an "Anti-Corruption Commission" bill; and 
approved the terms of reference for a mid-term in-depth 
assessment of affirmative action programs, among other 
decisions.  Qarase had noted such "good governance" steps 
were in the works, but they had not previously seen the light 
of day.  Some observers suggested the flurry of activity 
proves Bainimarama's point: RFMF pressure brings results. 
 
Aussies reiterate the facts 
--------------------------- 
¶8. (U) After Bainimarama described a contingent of 
recently-arrived Australian soldiers in Fiji as "mercenaries" 
during a press event Wednesday (reftel), Australia's Chief of 
Defense Force phoned the Commodore to confirm that Australian 
Defense Force personnel had traveled to Fiji to assist the 
Australian High Commission and to note that Australia had 
already publicly acknowledged that to be the case.  An Aussie 
press release said that, at the conclusion of the 
conversation, Bainimarama "acknowledged the facts as set out 
above." 
 
Home Affairs CEO suspended 
-------------------------- 
¶9. (U) Fiji's Public Service Commission announced Nov. 9 that 
it has suspended Home Affairs Ministry CEO Lesi Korovavala. 
Lesi, a former RFMF officer, who for many months appeared to 
be one of Bainimarama's main targets of complaint, allegedly 
has visited the Army camp in recent weeks to collude with the 
RFMF against the Government.  We recall that after the May 
elections, Lesi was one of those who reportedly broke into 
tears during a reconciliation ceremony between the RFMF and 
Home Affairs. 
 
Comment 
------- 
¶10. (C) Qarase laid out his case to the GCC in a well-crafted 
speech that accents his ethnic-Fijian, some would say 
Fijian-nationalist, credentials, but also professes 
acceptance of a broader national interest.  That balancing 
act is easier said than done.  The assurance that qoliqoli 
and ICT bills will get a full and fair hearing is useful, as 
is the appearance of "good governance" issues before Cabinet. 
 It appears the GCC is going the extra mile with Bainimarama, 
in an effort to play a role in the current crisis.  The 
Commodore's justification for stilting the GCC today 
illustrates his dogmatic view that he has the 
answers...period. 
DINGER