| Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC March 16, 2001 Fiji -- Reappointment of Laisenia Qarase as Prime MinisterWe regret President Iloilo's decision to reappoint Laisenia Qarase as Fiji's Prime Minister, which apparently ignores the recent ruling by the Court of Appeal upholding the validity of Fiji's 1997 constitution. We have repeatedly stated that upholding basic principles of democracy, the rule of law, and international standards of human rights, as embodied in Fiji's 1997 constitution, would be a benchmark for determining our reaction to the crisis in Fiji. This constitution was drafted to recognize the rights of all of Fiji's citizens. The dismissal of Prime Minister Chaudhry and the appointment of Tevita Momoedonu as Prime Minister without reconvening Parliament do not appear consistent with the constitution. The apparent purpose of this exercise was to avoid reconvening the elected Parliament, whose consent to the appointment of a new Prime Minister is required by Fiji's constitution. We believe Fiji's crisis can only be resolved through respect for the rule of law. We call on all parties in the ongoing political crisis to work together to bring Fiji back to democratic government, under the guidelines provided in Fiji's constitution. [end] |
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