An interim Fijian government - an interim joke!

Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has reinstated the president to his former position to enable himself to be appointed as interim prime minister of an interim government.

The appointment of an interim government should be the first step back to democracy in this South Pacific nation. But will it be?

Until constitutional democracy is restored, the Fijian people will be denied their full and fundamental human rights, and the Commonwealth's principles would continue to be violated. Close neighbours Australia and New Zealand are not fooled by the latest shennanigans in the banana republic.

Commodore Bainimarama will continue to hold Fiji's top military position as head of the Defence Force, as well as prime minister. This is just a pathetic joke!

Some of Fiji's most influential people have welcomed the appointment of the interim government, including earlier critics of the coup, including the Great council of Chiefs, who were actually treated with contempt and distain by Bainimarama just a week or two ago.

Fijian churches are also meekly supportive of the new interim government. Ironically Indo- Fijians, victims in the first three coups in the last twenty years, support Bainimarama. The former deposed prime minister, Qarase, is accused of corruption while in power. Police are also investigationg claims of assault on ordinary Fijians by members of the military.

There are still dark days ahead for Fiji and its economic future is likely to be doubtful as its sources of income must now be a dribble. Tourists must be wary of the miltary, although their activities are mainly confined to the capital, Suva. Overseas investers are not very keen on investing in such a economy.