Fugitive Thaksin Seeks Safety From Extradition In Fiji

[Jingthing]

He is out of reach for now, and I reckon a long long time.

Unless someone makes his enablers a better offer, wink wink nod nod ...

[Thai at Heart]

He is out of reach for now, and I reckon a long long time.

Unless someone makes his enablers a better offer, wink wink nod nod ...

I think they probably got paid years ago.

[Siripon]

Thaksin is cosying up to a regime similar to one that removed him,...most strange!!

You are joking, aren't you? You didn't really think Thaksin was a democrat, right?

[sriracha john]

I would believe that flying in a private plane around the world with a false passenger manifest would be a start for most immigration authorities.

I however, don't believe he has taken to using a false name, unless he has got some help from some important authorities. He is pretty recognisable, and immigration still has to stamp people in and out of most airports.

Well, I think it's an indicator that no major world gov't -not even Canada whose Bombardier knows at any given time where any of the 200+ planes of Thaksin's type are in the world- feels the need to assist the current Thai gov't

It's surprising then the amount of time he's been staying lately in and be-bopping around the likes of Nicaragua, Liberia, Montenegro, Cambodia, et al.

When was he last in a country with a "major world government"? ....or do you mean like the "four world leaders" consisting of the heads of Papua-New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Fiji, that Noppadon spoke of earlier?

Edited July 9, 2009 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Tonga confirms Thaksin’s Nuku’alofa visit

Tonga’s Prime Minister’s office has confirmed the ousted Thai prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, has been in the country this week, reports Radio New Zealand International

A government spokesman in Nuku’alofa said his visit was privately arranged and included no meetings with officials.

Thaksin was in Fiji earlier this week, amid speculation that he was seeking safety in a country with no extradition treaty with Thailand.

The former Thai politician, whose Thai passport has been cancelled, is wanted in Bangkok to answer corruption charges.

On his way to Fiji, he narrowly escaped arrest in Malaysia during a refuelling stop of his private jet.

Thaksin spent a day in Suva and met with Fiji’s leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama.

- PACNEWS / 2009-07-09

[sriracha john]

Former Thai PM Thaksin Travels To Pacific Islands

NUKU'ALOFA, Tonga (AFP)--Ousted Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra flew to the Pacific islands this week, a Tongan government official confirmed Thursday.

Thaksin is wanted in Thailand to face jail on corruption charges after being removed in a 2006 coup, and has been in exile, living mainly in Dubai.

"He was here on Tuesday," said the Tongan official, who didn't wish to be named, adding he understood Thaksin left on Wednesday for Fiji.

"He talked to someone at Foreign Affairs, who looked after him," the official said, without giving any further information on the purpose of the visit.

Thaksin had been in Fiji before going to Tonga, and a government spokesman confirmed he had on Monday met military ruler Voreqe Bainimarama, who overthrew the elected government in a 2006 coup.

"They sat and discussed some business proposal over dinner and that was it," government spokesman Neumi Leweni told Fiji commercial radio.

He gave no further details of the meeting, although reports in Fiji and Australia suggested Thaksin was offering hundreds of millions of dollars in investment in return for using Fiji as one of his bases in exile.

The Australian newspaper said Thursday that Thaksin was believed to be heading next for Port Vila in Vanuatu, where leaders from the Melanesian Spearhead Group of countries - Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji - are meeting on Friday.

Thailand in April revoked Thaksin's passport for allegedly inciting protests that disrupted a major Asian summit in the coastal resort of Pattaya, although he has reportedly been issued passports by other countries, including Nicaragua.

- AFP / 2009-07-09

[sriracha john]

PM plans to extradite Thaksin from Fiji

The government is liaising with the Fijian authorities to extradite fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra back to Thailand, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Thursday.

"The government is checking if Fiji has the same extradition law as England," Mr Abhisit said.

According to Pacnews in Fiji, Thaksin met Fijian Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama earlier this week and proposed a US$280 million investment package in return for being offered asylum.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/1...aksin-from-fiji

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-09

[gazz]

Bainimarama:

Bula vanaka Mr. T. Hope you like the Fiji and my hospitality. Sure you can stay. Long as you like. This I can guarantee. But you must pay me. How much you got?

Mr. T.:

Well Mr. B, let me just say, no need to worry. I have a very large investment for your little country. What do you make here anyway?

Bainimarama:

We make sugar but who cares...what we really like is Kava but we a little too lazy to grow it for ourselves. That's why we have our friends across the way in Vanuatu. They make it for us 'cos we like it so much we use up everything we can produce. Here have a cup, you will feel very relaxed.

Mr. T.:

Thank you. Hmmmm very unusual. Have you considered ground chili as a flavour enhancer?

Bainimarama:

Mr. T., let's cut to the chase: I think you should consider getting out of Dodge, at least until we can ask you again if the world really cares about you staying here and if they think Fiji is a serious country. Go to my friend's islands next door. My buddies will welcome you with open arms. You can do a little fishing, catch up on some reading and drink a lot of coconuts. Don't forget to try the Kava; they got the best! When the media gives the 'all clear', you can come back here and hang with us. But don't forget to bring us a few kg's of that Vanuatu Kava.

Mr. T.:

You know of a good Thai food restaurant on any of these little islands?

[otherstuff1957]

Maybe he can get a 'Fiji Elite Card'!

[Datsun240Z]

Okay let see what will happen next.

[Donnyboy]

A dark day for Thai-Fijian relations!

I for one plan to boycott all Fijian products! Please remind me, what is it that Fiji makes?

Beer & corned beef how will you ever survive without?

[Oberkommando]

So he's traveling around in his own private jet and he's not using his real name when he travels... that clears up a number of previously uncertain issues.

Most billionaires do the same.

They have coups regularly

As does Thailand.

[sriracha john]

Fiji asked to extradite ousted Thai PM: report

The Thailand Government has asked Fijian authorities to extradite its former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, reports the Bangkok Post.

The news agency reported that Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said his Government is checking if Fiji has the same extradition law as England.

Fiji Government spokesman Lt Col Neumi Leweni has confirmed that Thaksin met Fijian Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama here on Monday during a brief stopover.

He declined to comment on Thaksin’s reported proposal of a US$280 million investment package in return for asylum.

Acting Chairman of Fiji’s investment authority, the Fiji Trade and Investment Bureau, Commander (Navy) Viliame Naupoto also declined to answer questions by Fiji Live on the matter.

The ousted premier was believed to have departed for Tonga on Tuesday on his private jet.

Thaksin is wanted in Thailand to answer corruption charges. Thaksin was a senior police officer who built a telecommunications empire worth billions of dollars. He became Thailand's prime minister from 2001 before being ousted in a military coup in September 2006, while he was attending the UN general assembly.

- Fiji Live / 2009-07-10

[sriracha john]

Thaksin's not seeking asylum

Fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is not touring around the Pacific islands to seek a political asylum in exchange for a US$300 million investment package, Thaksin's legal adviser Noppadon Pattama said on Friday.

Noppadon said Thaksin had phoned him in the morning and told him that he had met Fijian Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama earlier this week to discuss small investment projects, not a US$300 million investment project as rumoured. "Thaksin insisted that he has no plan to seek a political asylum since he could have applied for political asylum in Britain but decided to withdraw later," the ex-foreign minister said.

"Thaksin has returned to Dubai and is not in Tonga. He was only meeting world leaders and gather some investment information during his recent trip," he said. He said it would not be possible for the ousted premier to use false names while travelling overseas since he was recognised all over the world, and people asked for his autograph everywhere he visited.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/14...-seeking-asylum

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-10

[webfact]

YES - NO - YES - NO -YES - NO...

spinning the wheel...

[sriracha john]

"Thaksin insisted that he has no plan to seek a political asylum since he could have applied for political asylum in Britain but decided to withdraw later," the ex-foreign minister said.

No doubt informed at the time that it was a no-go situation there before he even applied, as evidenced by his soon thereafter British visa revocation.

"Thaksin has returned to Dubai and is not in Tonga. He was only meeting world leaders and gather some investment information during his recent trip," he said.

Again, with the "world leaders"... we'll need a new definition of the phrase considering that he went to to the powerhouse nations of Fiji and Tonga.

He said it would not be possible for the ousted premier to use false names while travelling overseas since he was recognised all over the world, and people asked for his autograph everywhere he visited.

What an ego-stroker...

What few people there are that are even aware of him internationally have him only pegged as the square-headed deposed dictator fugitive. Most of the very few asking for his autograph would be doing so only for the sake of his criminal notoriety.

Edited July 10, 2009 by sriracha john

[hammered]

Thaksin's not seeking asylum

Fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is not touring around the Pacific islands to seek a political asylum in exchange for a US$300 million investment package, Thaksin's legal adviser Noppadon Pattama said on Friday.

Noppadon said Thaksin had phoned him in the morning and told him that he had met Fijian Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama earlier this week to discuss small investment projects, not a US$300 million investment project as rumoured. "Thaksin insisted that he has no plan to seek a political asylum since he could have applied for political asylum in Britain but decided to withdraw later," the ex-foreign minister said.

"Thaksin has returned to Dubai and is not in Tonga. He was only meeting world leaders and gather some investment information during his recent trip," he said. He said it would not be possible for the ousted premier to use false names while travelling overseas since he was recognised all over the world, and people asked for his autograph everywhere he visited.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/14...-seeking-asylum

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-10

These statements always provide great entertainment. The great egomaniac is back. Seriously doesnt all that everybody knows and admires me stuff sound somewhat pathological?

[sriracha john]

He said it would not be possible for the ousted premier to use false names while travelling overseas since he was recognised all over the world, and people asked for his autograph everywhere he visited.

These statements always provide great entertainment. The great egomaniac is back. Seriously doesnt all that everybody knows and admires me stuff sound somewhat pathological?

Does this sound familiar?

1. Has a grandiose sense of self-importance

2. Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance (megalomania)

3. Believes they are "special" and can only be understood by, or should associate with, people (or institutions) who are also "special" or of high status

4. Requires excessive admiration

5. Has a sense of entitlement

6. Is interpersonally exploitative

7. Lacks empathy

8. Is often envious of others or believes others are envious of him or her

9. Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes

Diagnostic criteria for Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

[bungy007]

Overseas media reports are suggesting that Sinawatra is particularly looking for countries that do not have extradition treaties with Thailand.

Fiji and Tonga seemed to fit the bill.

Another media report said the Thai politician who is a billionaire in his own right was offering an investment package of US$280 million in return for being offered asylum.

With US$280 million at stake, it's easy to see why they would be interested... it's way more than the entire New Zealand government contributes (NZ$16 million)...

NZ raises Tongan aid budget to $18m

New Zealand will increase its aid to Tonga from $12 million to $18 million by 2011.

The extra money will be directed partly toward helping the private sector develop the tourism trade. Prime Minister John Key announced the funding boost yesterday during his first visit to the Pacific island.

Aid to Tonga will total $16 million this year and next year, and will rise again to $18 million in 2011. Part of the money will be used for a civic education programme as Tonga introduces a new electoral system under its democracy reforms - an urgent process, as the country plans to hold elections under the new system next year.

- The New Zealand Herald / 2009-07-08

Yes. It seems that Fiji are in need of some replacement funds after the EU pulled the plug on their illegal regime. Do you think a little light bulb lit up above the square one's head when he heard of this? Read below

EU cancels substantial aid to Fiji

SUVA, May 18, 2009 (AFP) - The European Commission cancelled a grant worth more than 31 million dollars to Fiji in a sign Monday of growing international impatience at the military regime's refusal to hold elections.

In a statement, the executive arm of the European Union said the 2009 grant to help Fiji's struggling sugar sector was being cancelled "in the absence of any indications that a legitimate government will be in place in 2009."

The annual disbursements have been suspended since military leader Voreqe Bainimarama took power in a bloodless coup in 2006, and has resisted pressure to restore democracy.

"I encourage the government of Fiji to fulfil its commitments to the EU so that we are able to reinstate sugar reform payments in the future," said Louis Michel, the European commissioner for development and humanitarian aid.

Last month, the military regime tightened its grip on power leading to its suspension from the Pacific Islands Forum, a regional bloc that represents the common interests of regional island nations.

The United States and Fiji's most affluent near neighbours, Australia and New Zealand, have also imposed targeted sanctions.

Fiji's constitution has been scrapped and its judiciary sacked, while Bainimarama has given himself another five years in power by declaring there would be no elections before 2014.

The European Commission has warned that the actions of the military regime are unacceptable and that assistance grants would not resume without a return to democracy.

Bainimarama toppled the elected government of Laisenia Qarase in December 2006, accusing it of corruption and unfairly favouring the indigenous Fijian majority over the minority ethnic Indian population.

He sees Fiji as beset by divisions between the Fijians and Indians and has vowed to reform the electoral system before holding elections.

cf/km Copyright © 2009 Agence France Presse

Received by NewsEdge Insight: 05/17/2009 22:36:50 ©AFP: The information provided in this product is for personal use only. None of it may be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the express permission of Agence France-Presse.

</DIV>

[hammered]

He said it would not be possible for the ousted premier to use false names while travelling overseas since he was recognised all over the world, and people asked for his autograph everywhere he visited.

These statements always provide great entertainment. The great egomaniac is back. Seriously doesnt all that everybody knows and admires me stuff sound somewhat pathological?

Does this sound familiar?

1. Has a grandiose sense of self-importance

2. Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance (megalomania)

3. Believes they are "special" and can only be understood by, or should associate with, people (or institutions) who are also "special" or of high status

4. Requires excessive admiration

5. Has a sense of entitlement

6. Is interpersonally exploitative

7. Lacks empathy

8. Is often envious of others or believes others are envious of him or her

9. Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes

Diagnostic criteria for Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Thaksin is certainly as narcissistic as they come. An analyst would have a field day with this dude

[bungy007]

Okay let see what will happen next.

Well, this seems to be the Commodore's vision:

Bainimarama clearly thinks he can ride out Western sanctions by relying on other funding sources. In a statement he released to this week's Pacific Islands Forum, he wrote: "We will decide what is in our national interest at this juncture in our history . . . If we have to, we will seek assistance from outside the Pacific Forum and the Commonwealth."

http://archives.pireport.org/archive/2009/...y/02-12-com.htm

[sriracha john]

PM: Government in Contact with Fiji for Thaksin's Extradition

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has reportedly made an order to Thai officials to coordinate with Fiji to bring former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawattra back to Thailand to face the charges against him.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva made an announcement after the Cabinet meeting yesterday, that the issues discussed in the meeting did not include news of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's travel into Fiji with a false name.

Abhisit stated that the issue of whether Thaksin Shinawatra used a fake name has been an issue for quite some time, following a news report from sources in Australia. He did note, however, that when the former premier went into Malaysia, he used his real name.

Meanwhile, other sources from officials in Tonga affirmed that Thaksin did flee to Tonga earlier, but left for Fiji on Wednesday the 8th of July.

When asked if Thaksin did actually flee to Fiji and whether public international laws are applicable, the premier stated that they have already begun to discuss the issue with Fiji.

When asked about the similarities in laws in England and Australia on extradition, the Prime Minister was only able to say that the issue is currently a topic in discussion.

Earlier, an Australian newspaper reported that Thaksin fled into Fiji under a false name; however, his identity is well-known to Fiji authorities. The ousted premier was reportedly using his passport issued by Montenegro, after the Thai government revoked his Thai passport.

Thaksin was believed to be heading towards Tonga and then to Port Vila in Vanuatu next, as today the country will host the annual meeting of the Melanesian Spearhead Group or the MSG, with participation of country leaders from Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Fiji.

-- Tan Network 2009-07-10

[geriatrickid]

Does this sound familiar?

1. Has a grandiose sense of self-importance

2. Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance (megalomania)

3. Believes they are "special" and can only be understood by, or should associate with, people (or institutions) who are also "special" or of high status

4. Requires excessive admiration

5. Has a sense of entitlement

6. Is interpersonally exploitative

7. Lacks empathy

8. Is often envious of others or believes others are envious of him or her

9. Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes

Diagnostic criteria for Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

MMkay, and what's your point? That you can cut and paste with aplomb? I can cut and paste alot of "indications" from my textbooks and say that they apply to you. It is just as relevant.

As I have not questioned you (btw - you ever had a discussion of that kind with Mr. Thaksin?) and I am not qualified to practice as a psychiatrist (btw- are you?) I do not think it either appropriate or fair to cut and paste descriptions in respect to your psyche. Can you understand the point? Unless you have about 8 years of medical school and related internship and residency and a few years of clinical experience, I think you should leave "pop psychology" to the realm of talk shows and hucksters selling fads of the month.

Cutting and pasting is fine for kindergarten kids, but should not be used for a mental health diagnosis.

[sriracha john]

Does this sound familiar?

1. Has a grandiose sense of self-importance

2. Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance (megalomania)

3. Believes they are "special" and can only be understood by, or should associate with, people (or institutions) who are also "special" or of high status

4. Requires excessive admiration

5. Has a sense of entitlement

6. Is interpersonally exploitative

7. Lacks empathy

8. Is often envious of others or believes others are envious of him or her

9. Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes

Diagnostic criteria for Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

MMkay, and what's your point?

That Thaksin's actions are indicative of someone with a Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

I can cut and paste alot of "indications" from my textbooks and say that they apply to you. It is just as relevant.

These are not indications, they are the diagnostic criteria used by mental health workers world-wide. As my own actions (which, known by you, are next to nil) don't have any where near the volume that is available on Thaksin, it would be an inaccurate and irrelevant statement as well as an over-personal comment that is not permitted to be made by one member regarding another member.

Unless you have about 8 years of medical school and related internship and residency and a few years of clinical experience, I think you should leave "pop psychology" to the realm of talk shows and hucksters selling fads of the month.

Cutting and pasting is fine for kindergarten kids, but should not be used for a mental health diagnosis.

This is not "pop psychology" in the slightest. I'm surprised that you seem to be unaware that the criteria established by the DSM is the psychiatric field standard.

I didn't diagnose him in the original post nor here. I am merely saying in this post that it is indicative. Other members might tend to agree and have already posted to that effect. It's not the end of the world and really is no great leap to come to that sort of conclusion. It's also nothing all that new.

Edited July 10, 2009 by sriracha john

[geriatrickid]

Your logic has more holes in it that a longterm alcoholic resident of Pattaya's brain.

You cite the "Diagnostic criteria for Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.", but you have never used this manual in practice have you? It's the equivalent of Joe the plumber citing a cardiology textbook and then pronouncing a diagnosis on someone's heart disease.

"These are not indications, they are the diagnostic criteria used by mental health workers world-wide. As my own actions (which, known by you, are next to nil) don't have any where near the volume that is available on Thaksin, it would be an inaccurate and irrelevant statement as well as an over-personal comment that is not permitted to be made by one member regarding another member."

You didn't address the point. Are you a qualified mental health diagnostician or clinician? Have you examined or interviewed Mr. Thaksin? You are passing off YOUR PERSONAL OPINION as fact. To now claim that an over personal comment about you would be inappropriate, yet, to continuously spew venom and vitriol about Mr. Thaksin speaks to your moral paucity. You cannot have it both ways.

This is not "pop psychology" in the slightest. I'm surprised that you seem to be unaware that the criteria established by the DSM is the psychiatric field standard.

Sir, it is pop psychology, and far worse, when someone that is not qualified to render a psychiatric diagnosis does so.

I didn't diagnose him in the original post nor here. I am merely saying in this post that it is indicative. Other members might tend to agree and have already posted to that effect. It's not the end of the world and really is no great leap to come to that sort of conclusion. It's also nothing all that new.

You got your hands caught in the cookie jar and now you are playing around with words trying to avoid responsibility. For someone that laments about Mr. Thaksin's lack of morality and inability to take responsibility for past actions, you sir have given a fine demonstration of the art of angels dancing upon the head of a pin as you hide behind "but I only said it was an indication" and the "other kids were doing it too" strategy.

Perhaps some quiet time in the corner for you to consider the concept of hypocrisy and is required.

Edited July 10, 2009 by geriatrickid

[sriracha john]

Your logic has more holes in it that a longterm alcoholic resident of Pattaya's brain.

You cite the "Diagnostic criteria for Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.", but you have never used this manual in practice have you? It's the equivalent of Joe the plumber citing a cardiology textbook and then pronouncing a diagnosis on someone's heart disease.

This is an example of what I meant when I said you next to nil about me. You erroneously presume far too much in an over-personal and inflammatory manner.

"These are not indications, they are the diagnostic criteria used by mental health workers world-wide. As my own actions (which, known by you, are next to nil) don't have any where near the volume that is available on Thaksin, it would be an inaccurate and irrelevant statement as well as an over-personal comment that is not permitted to be made by one member regarding another member."

You didn't address the point. Are you a qualified mental health diagnostician or clinician?

I see. You presume and flame first, then ask later. That's quite reckless of you as well as being against forum rules.

Without getting too over-personal as I prefer to maintain some degree of anonymity, yes I have assisted in diagnosing mental illnesses.

Have you examined or interviewed Mr. Thaksin? You are passing off YOUR PERSONAL OPINION as fact.

No, I have not interviewed Thaksin. My opinion is just that. My opinion. It's one that's shared by many, yet I never stated my opinion was fact. If you feel Thaksin's actions are not indicative of someone with NPD, then that is fine. That is your opinion.

To now claim that an over personal comment about you would be inappropriate, yet, to continuously spew venom and vitriol about Mr. Thaksin speaks to your moral paucity. You cannot have it both ways.

If you disagree with the forum rules, that's an issue for you to take to Admin. The forum rules are applied in regards to comments made about members. They do not apply to non-members.

btw, I see no reason to continue this trail of off-topic and overly-personal matter any further. You've already made much more of this then necessary and this is all getting into an undesirable and non-beneficial bickering nature.

Edited July 10, 2009 by sriracha john

[hammered]

Things like Thaksin's mental health, stress levels and level of alcohol consumption have been discussed on countless Thai forum and in the Thai media. It is hardly surprising it is discussed here eventually. Im surprised it hasnt been discussed earlier

[LaoPo]

Yes. It seems that Fiji are in need of some replacement funds after the EU pulled the plug on their illegal regime. Do you think a little light bulb lit up above the square one's head when he heard of this? Read below

EU cancels substantial aid to Fiji

SUVA, May 18, 2009 (AFP) - The European Commission cancelled a grant worth more than 31 million dollars to Fiji in a sign Monday of growing international impatience at the military regime's refusal to hold elections.

In a statement, the executive arm of the European Union said the 2009 grant to help Fiji's struggling sugar sector was being cancelled "in the absence of any indications that a legitimate government will be in place in 2009."

The annual disbursements have been suspended since military leader Voreqe Bainimarama took power in a bloodless coup in 2006, and has resisted pressure to restore democracy.

"I encourage the government of Fiji to fulfil its commitments to the EU so that we are able to reinstate sugar reform payments in the future," said Louis Michel, the European commissioner for development and humanitarian aid.

Last month, the military regime tightened its grip on power leading to its suspension from the Pacific Islands Forum, a regional bloc that represents the common interests of regional island nations.

The United States and Fiji's most affluent near neighbours, Australia and New Zealand, have also imposed targeted sanctions.

Fiji's constitution has been scrapped and its judiciary sacked, while Bainimarama has given himself another five years in power by declaring there would be no elections before 2014.

The European Commission has warned that the actions of the military regime are unacceptable and that assistance grants would not resume without a return to democracy.

Bainimarama toppled the elected government of Laisenia Qarase in December 2006, accusing it of corruption and unfairly favouring the indigenous Fijian majority over the minority ethnic Indian population.

He sees Fiji as beset by divisions between the Fijians and Indians and has vowed to reform the electoral system before holding elections.

cf/km Copyright © 2009 Agence France Presse

Received by NewsEdge Insight: 05/17/2009 22:36:50 ©AFP: The information provided in this product is for personal use only. None of it may be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the express permission of Agence France-Presse.

</DIV>

..Who said Fiji has an illegal regime ?...NZ....? Australia....? EU ? The European Commission says this....they say that...bla-bla-bla with empty and harmless words.

If one thinks Frank Bainimarama will have sleepless nights over the withdrawal of the EU funds he/she should study the relations between China>Fiji a little better.

They're supplying hundreds of Millions of dollars into Fiji and NZ and Australia are begging China to stop that.

In fact, it's quite dumb of the above mentioned parties, and the US as well, to withdraw, halt or minimize their support. Those same parties complain that China is extending it's influence into South America, Africa, Asia and Pacific (goal: resources of course...the same like the US, EU did/does or try to do) and what do they do ? Stopping aid and "warning" those countries. How dumb.

One could ask why the other parties didn't jump in better and earlier in/with Fuji and set their hypocritical behavior aside.....illegal government, come on.

Anyone thinks the previous government was legal and democratic ?

If it wouldn't have been for possible oil in Fiji's oceanic region ALL parties wouldn't have cared &lt;deleted&gt;

After all, it's just a very, very remote Pacific islands-"country" with less than 1 million people. Who cares ?

LaoPo

[verydumbubba]

Transponder change is next

Bubba

[hammered]

Yes. It seems that Fiji are in need of some replacement funds after the EU pulled the plug on their illegal regime. Do you think a little light bulb lit up above the square one's head when he heard of this? Read below

EU cancels substantial aid to Fiji

SUVA, May 18, 2009 (AFP) - The European Commission cancelled a grant worth more than 31 million dollars to Fiji in a sign Monday of growing international impatience at the military regime's refusal to hold elections.

In a statement, the executive arm of the European Union said the 2009 grant to help Fiji's struggling sugar sector was being cancelled "in the absence of any indications that a legitimate government will be in place in 2009."

The annual disbursements have been suspended since military leader Voreqe Bainimarama took power in a bloodless coup in 2006, and has resisted pressure to restore democracy.

"I encourage the government of Fiji to fulfil its commitments to the EU so that we are able to reinstate sugar reform payments in the future," said Louis Michel, the European commissioner for development and humanitarian aid.

Last month, the military regime tightened its grip on power leading to its suspension from the Pacific Islands Forum, a regional bloc that represents the common interests of regional island nations.

The United States and Fiji's most affluent near neighbours, Australia and New Zealand, have also imposed targeted sanctions.

Fiji's constitution has been scrapped and its judiciary sacked, while Bainimarama has given himself another five years in power by declaring there would be no elections before 2014.

The European Commission has warned that the actions of the military regime are unacceptable and that assistance grants would not resume without a return to democracy.

Bainimarama toppled the elected government of Laisenia Qarase in December 2006, accusing it of corruption and unfairly favouring the indigenous Fijian majority over the minority ethnic Indian population.

He sees Fiji as beset by divisions between the Fijians and Indians and has vowed to reform the electoral system before holding elections.

cf/km Copyright © 2009 Agence France Presse

Received by NewsEdge Insight: 05/17/2009 22:36:50 ©AFP: The information provided in this product is for personal use only. None of it may be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the express permission of Agence France-Presse.

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..Who said Fiji has an illegal regime ?...NZ....? Australia....? EU ? The European Commission says this....they say that...bla-bla-bla with empty and harmless words.

If one thinks Frank Bainimarama will have sleepless nights over the withdrawal of the EU funds he/she should study the relations between China>Fiji a little better.

They're supplying hundreds of Millions of dollars into Fiji and NZ and Australia are begging China to stop that.

In fact, it's quite dumb of the above mentioned parties, and the US as well, to withdraw, halt or minimize their support. Those same parties complain that China is extending it's influence into South America, Africa, Asia and Pacific (goal: resources of course...the same like the US, EU did/does or try to do) and what do they do ? Stopping aid and "warning" those countries. How dumb.

One could ask why the other parties didn't jump in better and earlier in/with Fuji and set their hypocritical behavior aside.....illegal government, come on.

Anyone thinks the previous government was legal and democratic ?

If it wouldn't have been for possible oil in Fiji's oceanic region ALL parties wouldn't have cared &lt;deleted&gt;

After all, it's just a very, very remote Pacific islands-"country" with less than 1 million people. Who cares ?

LaoPo

So coups are Ok in Fiji and I guess Thailand and Honduras and a few others. Fiji did have a democracy that was about as effective as Thailand's before and divisions as bad.