Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has addressed concerns from the Fijian diaspora in Samoa regarding Fiji’s recent vote against a United Nations resolution on decolonization. Mr. Rabuka clarified that the vote was not an error but rather a response to what he termed an “ambush resolution,” which deviated from the understanding reached during previous discussions at the Special Committee on Decolonization.
He emphasized that Fiji did not mistakenly vote against the resolution but rejected it based on its unexpected nature. Mr. Rabuka, who has extensively studied the history of colonization and decolonization, noted that the committee involved had shifted focus from C-12 to C-24 members discussing these issues.
Highlighting his thoughts on potential backlash from territories such as New Caledonia, Mr. Rabuka expressed hope that no complaints would arise regarding his visit to Samoa. He assured that the Fijian government has a solid rationale to defend its decision.
As one of two Pacific nations involved with the Special Committee on Decolonization, Fiji has consistently advocated for decolonization issues. The country aligns itself with the Pacific Islands Forum and the Melanesian Spearhead Group, supporting resolutions aimed at decolonization and the right to self-determination as outlined in the UN Charter.
The Fiji Permanent Mission in New York, led by Filipo Tarakinikini, is currently working to further clarify the situation within the UN process. Mr. Rabuka is in Samoa for the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
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