Hey im doing a inter school debat on weather or not New zealand and Aussie should leave fiji alone. my team is debating that they should. does any one know of anyother aritcles that would help us? if do it would be great to know what they are

thanks (i know this isnt waht this is used for, but i figgured that you all seam to have real ideas on the matter and you could help

From a kiwi who has invested and lived in Fiji for the last 10 years, what an obnoxious comment from NZ's PM! First, if NZ considered sending armed forces, Fiji would say NO THANK YOU. That would be the best way to head to armed conflict, a clash between the NZ & Fiji troops.

It's really easy for NZ leaders to stand in judgment of Fiji but I dont think they have full information and know how the people here feel about the electoral system (along racial lines) and ingrained corruption in Fiji. I think Frank and co. have good intentions but are going about it the wrong way. The NZ & Australian governments' attitudes and totally unhelpful & the media coverage is totally distorted. In Suva it is life as normal, there are no armed UN soldiers in town, there are no armed soldiers anywhere. The media should stop using old footage and fabricated reports. If they're not allowed in here then where is this footage coming from? I tell my family in NZ who are worried, DONT believe anything you hear in the media. All they are doing is trying to paint a bad picture, which kills the tourism industry. The hotels are operating as usual and there are no threats to tourists' safety (especially in the Western Division.) If anything is going to happen it will happen in Suva. The reality is the media coverage is resulting in cancelled bookings and the people on the poverty line are being sent home because of low occupancy rates. BUTT OUT NZ!!!

Also, see a more balance response: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,25339291-28737,00.html?from=public_rss

LOL if most of the people in Fiji support him, then he should not be so scared about holding an election now would he? He is just another dictator and no good will come out of it all. There is no 'One Fit All' way to run every country in the world and Fiji needs to find out what is right for them, but it should be done in a way that everyone gets a say and gets to vote.

To Kiwigirl #19, while I don't disagree with much of your post, how do you know that everyone is happy over in Fiji?

"Those in Fiji are not complaining and a majority support him!!" How would you know if they didn't? Installation of martial law and full blown censorship of the media kinda tends to suppress anyone with a differing opinion!

I supported the need for Bainimarama's 2006 coup.He was right. But, now he is going too far, insofar as the end does not justify the means which he is now employing (the scrapping of the Constitution and sacking of judges.Bainimarama's aims of his coups are laudatory and deserve our support - i.e.in 2006 and, now, 2009,to:-(1) to bring in 'one person, one vote' (instead of a race based electoral system weighted in favour of indigeonus Fijians, at the expense of Indian Fijians, also, (2) to allow the Indo Fijians access to work in the tourism areas,etc., instead of preventing access to them [these , being two racist polices supported by the so called democratically elected Government,afurther (3)disallowing pardoning of the leaders of the Speight coup in 2000. HOWEVER, he should not be censoring the media, nor allowing the army immunity from shooting and killing opponents.CAN HE NOT USE elections to secure his support? Can he not argue his case, point by point in a media which freely and neutrally, debates the pros and cons of his policies? Can he not form his own political party and contest the election. I believe Bainimarama should form his own Party. At present, it is likely that a counter-coup could be mounted against him. The end could be bloodshed. Fiji needs peace. New Zealand should offer full support for democarcy in Fiji; this support should be offered , in oerson, by New Zealand's Primie Minister, to Bainimaram. No threats against Fiji should be made by NZ. Fiji should be kept inside the Commonwealth. It should be kept inside the Pacific Forum. Bainimararma is a good man, with noble objectives which are fair to all Fijians.New Zealand should only provide peacekeepers under a mandate from the United Nations...most of the peacekeepers, however should come from Asian nations, as a predominance of Australians or new Zealand or USA or UK peacekeeper would appear neo-colonialist. Peacekeepers are,in one sense,occupiers; they must appear to help,not repress - in such circumstances, I would support the NZ Government sending peacekeepers to Fiji. As I indicated, ythe main part of the peacekeeping force should be from Asian countries. This would help avoid causing Fijian resentment angainst NZ troops. Remeber, the Fijian forces are a first class military power - trained, often, by NZ, and we in New Zealand do not must not be in violent conflict with them. Boodshed must be prevented through an immediate face to dace, person to person active dialogue between the Bainimarama Government and the NZ Government.This typed quickly, so please forgive typing errors. TONY.

We'd be mad to go to Fiji! Pound for pound the Fijian army is one of the best in the world and everybody knows that (the main player that is), that's why nothing serious has been done since the coup and FB knows it.

Simple plan, accelerate global warming, have the sea levels rise and drown the rat.

Seriously, I doubt that 100% of his military, officers and soldiers, are supportive of Bainimarama’s actions. Set up, with the help of Australia, a naval and air blockage of Fiji, starving them of supplies, arms and munitions,stop all aid, freeze any offshore assets, these are the things that will test the loyalties of his men. Then supply the right people with the right tools and Bainimarama will become another one of Fiji’s one hit wonder leaders and a faded memory.

Any Country that is talking about troops to Fiji are IDIOTS! I just note that their Army is as ig as New Zealands!! Ha haha Any invasion would require an at least by any sane generals view 3:1 troop level that is 10,000 troops +. I can't see Fiji inviting a stabilising force so it is hostile entry or nothing. Stupid Stupid Stupid. Our health sector is responsible for more deaths a year than Frenk who has not killed a person yet. It can do no Good and will change a VERY peaceful country into a hell hole.

New Zealands ability to operate democratically is as bad as Fijis. When elections are rigged by the ruling party overfunding at a level 800% higher than the opponents errors.

I am DISGUSTED at the low quality response of New Zealand and Key Puppy dogging along after Helens idiotic stance.

Those in Fiji are not complaining and a majority support him!! Why did he toss out the racist and illigitimate government?

To reestablish a political system that was properly democratic.

And New Zealand and Aussie perhaps desperate to find something they can flex their muscles over falsly conclude a bad thing has occured. If they Shut up and provided constitution drafting assistance and legal expertise etcetera rather than Damning the progress that Frank is trying to make this whole thing could be all but over now.

And by taking that path of support it would very quickly and clearly show if he really did have no intention to tidy up the corrupt countries racist politics. He hasn't hurt a fly and has been a very disciplined decent leader he has explained his cause and plan to the UN.

NZ Aussie ....Butt out of their family feud unless you are actually helping.

Agree with Mike comment #15. Apart from being feudal, the problem in Fiji is traditionally tribal with power play between tribal groups. It is not about Indian or Fijian but about a feudal problem. I lived and worked in Fiji and saw the SDL led Blueprint that was being implemented. The 2000 coup was a tribal issue; the military intervened as warriors from Lau were already in Suva to fight against Speight..There are guns in Fiji and an interferance from NZ/Aust will lead to civil war. Traditionally Tui Vada, Ratu Iliolo is the paramount chief. Regardless of what we feel or believe of his action recently, it is and will be an insult to the Fijian mindset to come to do anything but allow the process to go through. The background is more complex than what the media is saying...

Don't send the troops.

I think we should. we have the capabilities (just). the SAS would take out those fools.

to siaosi tofi comment #7 - china has nuclear stokepiles fool thats why