The Young Peoples Concerned Network
EM: ypcnfiji@gmail.com MB: 9324541
Press Release: Fiji must change stance or face more isolation
Recent comments by Military backed Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, that Australian and New Zealand diplomatic postings would not be restored unless sanctions focused on him and his government are dropped are against the best interests of the youth of Fiji.
"A reiteration that elections will happen in 2014 is again a huge digression from recommendations of the United Nations Human Rights Council Council earlier this month that Fiji restore our democracy and return the nation to a constitutional state as soon as possible" says YPCN president Peter Waqavonovono.
Australian and New Zealand sanctions are military and government focused and has not over arched onto the youth social progression projects however Waqavonovono claims "a continuation of human rights violations, stalling of elections and now disturbing comments by the Junta, may see sanctions and diplomatic actions take a more drastic face. Once again youth programs, scholarships, and AID is at stake".
The network has written to the Prime Ministers Office to request a urgent return to Parliamentary Democracy and a retract in plans to continue the militarization and the 2014 timeline. Waqavonovono adds "Nations like China are breeding a culture of regional Communism, and through its funding and ties is encouraging the audacity and ego of Frank Bainimarama's administration".
The YPCN is calling on the government to restore democracy soon, adhere to the recommendations of the UN Human Rights Council, Australia, New Zealand, USA, the Common Wealth, Pacific Islands Forum and the EU or face more discourse in diplomatic and AID relations.
Vinaka,
Peter Waqavonovono
President
Young Peoples Concerned Network