The Interim Prime Minister's address to the 62nd UN General Assembly yesterday morning has received criticism and praise from some of Fiji's political stakeholders, while some have reserved their comments for a later date.
Commodore Frank Bainimarama delivered his keynote speech to the 62nd UN general assembly for the first time describing the reason why he overthrew the democratically elected government led by Laisenia Qarase on December 6th last year.
Bainimarama told the UN general assembly that by the time the military intervened last December, Fiji's overall governance situation had regressed to a catastrophic level and he also urged the international community to fully understand the special local context of the situation.
The Soqosoqo Duavata Ni Lewenivanua Party said they will only comment when the Public Emergency Regulation is lifted next week.
SDL's National Director, Peceli Kinivuwai said they have a lot to say in response to the Interim Prime Minister's speech at the UN General Assembly in New York yesterday, however they are restricted by the PER in making public statements.
Kinivuwai adds the party is of the same view as former Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka where he stated that Bainimarama's address was his own assessment of the situation and that he had nothing further to say.
On the other hand, the Fiji Labour Party wholeheartedly supports the Interim PM's speech in New York.
President, Jokapeci Koroi said Bainimarama has well described the real reasons between the four coups that took place in Fiji's history.
Meanwhile, National Federation Party's General Secretary, Pramod Rai said he will not comment on Bainimarama's speech as Bainimarama has said nothing new.
However an NGO activist states that a coup can never be justified.
This is the view of Fiji Human Rights Commissioner and Fiji Women's Crisis Centre Coordinator, Shameema Ali, who said whichever way it is put across to the public of Fiji and to the international community, there is never any justification for a coup.
Ali adds that democracy comes about by following the rule of law and not through the barrel of a gun.
Shameema Ali.
Interim PM’s address crticism/praise
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