Fiji's more recently deposed Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase was quite rapid in supporting the latest Amnesty International(A.I) report on Fiji, which was released on 16th Febuary 2007.
This is the excerpt of Qarase's remarks published in an article from Fiji Times:
Heed Amnesty, Qarase says
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
The Interim Government should heed what Amnesty International is saying, ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase says.
"They are saying all the right things and I hope the interim administration will heed their advice because since December 5 we have seen some serious violations of basic human rights,"he said.
"I think that report is timely and should help bring the country to normality. No one is above the law, including the interim administration,"Mr Qarase said.
National Federation Party general secretary Pramod Rae said the party found the issue very amusing.
Mr Rae said for Mr Qarase to be accused of treason was like the pot calling the kettle black. A treason investigation was launched after the Fiji Military Forces filed a complaint with the police that Mr Qarase had asked for assistance from Australian Prime Minister John Howard and his New Zealand, counterpart Helen Clark.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Josaia Rasiga said Section 51 of the penal code dealt with instigating invasion and any person who instigated foreign invasion could be charged with treason, if there was concrete evidence.
Mr Qarase earlier said he would gladly give a statement to police if required to. The Soqosoqo ni Duavata ni Lewenivanua Party said: "We welcome the investigation because then Mr Qarase will be cleared of any such allegations.
Realistically, this A.I report, was a single chapter in the volumes of other A.I published articles on Fiji socio-politics.
However, when examining the history of remarks on human rights made by Qarase; it is prudent to note that Qarase's 2007 position on Human Rights was somewhat contradictory to his comments made in 2001 referring to the aftermath of the 2000 coup, also featured by Amnesty International article.
Shifting the goal posts, is probably the closest analogy when comparing these flip-flopping statements. What readers seriously have to consider is that, Qarase mentions two diametrically opposed views on human rights-one in 2001, the other in 2007. These recent remarks by Qarase raise more questions, than answers.
Are Qarase's views erroneous then, as it is now?
Is this is another clear example of waving the flag of human rights, when it suits one persons political motives?
Would it be safe to say that, the preceeding issues raised by Amnesty International, is now considered absolved by the 'white-gloved' inspectors of democracy, simply because Laisenia Qarase won a mandate in 2006; albeit under suspicious circumstances?
A mandate of elections, using irregular boundaries, amid the controversy in media reports of extra-ballot papers being used.
This is the excerpt of Laisenia Qarase's remarks published in the A.I article:
1 March 2001
AI Index ASA 18/002/2001 - News Service Nr. 38
Fiji: Rule of law or rule by force
Today's Court of Appeal ruling in Fiji upholding the Constitution is a landmark human rights decision which supports the rule of law over rule by force, Amnesty International said.
Fiji's Interim Prime Minister, in a first reaction to the judgment which ruled that the government which took over after the May coup was illegal, has suggested that a different "standard of human rights" applied in Fiji.
"Human rights are internationally recognized as universal - they apply equally everywhere for everyone. Fiji needs to find a way of solving its problems in accordance with these international standards, recognizing that indigenous rights are equal - not superior - to other human rights. Racial discrimination, or even racist violence, cannot be justified," the organization said.
"In UN peace-keeping operations, Fiji soldiers have died in defence of human rights and the rule of law. Amnesty International urges the Great Council of Chiefs and the Interim Administration to now defend these fundamental values at home."
The Fiji authorities' response to today's Court of Appeal judgment on constitutional rights will be an example for future generations and far beyond the Pacific, Amnesty International said.
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For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Amnesty International's Australia-Pacific spokesman, Dr Heinz Schurmann-Zeggel, in London on +44 20 7413-5720, or the organization's Asia-Pacific Press Officer, Maya Catsanis, on London +44 20 7413-5729.
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