Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced that the Fijian government has issued evacuation advisories for citizens in areas impacted by rising tensions between Israel and Iran. In an interview, he affirmed the government’s dedication to the safety of its people and peacekeepers engaged in promoting peace in globally conflict-affected regions.
Rabuka noted that Fijians were aware of the risks involved before the situation escalated. He reiterated Fiji’s stance on the unfolding tensions in the Middle East, describing the issue as a bilateral one between Israel and Iran. Nevertheless, Fiji will persist in its peacekeeping efforts in coordination with the United Nations in the region.
The Prime Minister highlighted the need to respect territorial integrity, which is a fundamental aspect of resolutions acknowledged by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. He stated that countries are expected to adhere to their internationally recognized boundaries, although he acknowledged past violations and the right of nations to defend their citizens and territories.
Rabuka pointed out that Fiji has been committed to peacekeeping since 1978 and will continue its efforts until the UN withdraws from areas of conflict. He confirmed that Fijian peacekeepers would stay deployed in these regions as part of the country’s commitment to maintaining peace in the Middle East.
In related developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that Iran will ‘pay the price’ for its recent missile strikes. The Israeli government is considering various retaliation options, including possible strikes against Iranian oil refineries, military assets, or nuclear locations. U.S. President Joe Biden has supported Israel’s right to respond but has called for any retaliation to be ‘proportional’.