Fiji
Flooding in Fiji kills seven, leaves thousands homeless
By Will Morrow, February 1, 2012
More than 3,500 people were forced to flee their homes last week to makeshift evacuation centres established in schools, military bases and government buildings.
Fijian military government announces end to emergency laws
By Will Morrow, January 6, 2012
The decision was cautiously welcomed by the US and Australia, signalling a possible rapprochement between the regional powers and the military junta.
Fijian junta imposes draconian anti-union laws
By Will Morrow, December 17, 2011
Commodore Frank Bainimarama’s military regime has deepened its assault on the working class, seeking to lure foreign investment.
WikiLeaks cables reveal Australian government divisions over Fijian junta
By Patrick O’Connor, September 1, 2011
In 2009, amid fears of rising Chinese influence, the parliamentary secretary for Pacific Island Affairs secretly urged the US to pressure Prime Minister Rudd to reach an accommodation with the Fijian regime.
US delegation tours Pacific island states
By Frank Gaglioti, July 18, 2011
The initiative was aimed at reinforcing US dominance in the region and came as the Obama administration stepped up its provocative efforts to contain Chinese influence in East Asia.
WikiLeaks cables reveal Chinese vice president’s secret visit to Fiji, in defiance of Australia
By Robert Morgan, May 27, 2011
Beijing told Canberra the 2009 flight to Fiji was a mere “transit” stopover, en route to Latin America, but Vice President Xi Jinping then spent two days meeting with senior junta members.
Split erupts within Fijian military regime
By Frank Gaglioti and Patrick O’Connor, May 25, 2011
Lieutenant Colonel Tevita Mara has coupled his demand for “regime change” with an appeal to Australia and New Zealand to intervene.
South Pacific countries defy Australian government and back Fijian military regime
By Patrick O’Connor, April 4, 2011
Canberra’s strategy of shoring up its control over the South Pacific by forcing the military to return Fiji to civilian rule now lies in tatters.
US moves to normalise relations with Fiji’s junta
By Frank Gaglioti, October 21, 2010
The Obama administration has moved to reestablish ties with the military regime in Fiji, cutting across the Australian government’s imposition of sanctions.
Fiji expels senior Australian diplomat
By Patrick O’Connor, July 15, 2010
Amid rising great power rivalries across the Pacific, the Australian government sabotaged a meeting of Melanesian Spearhead Group heads of government that was due to be held in Fiji next week.
Fijian military junta suppresses media
By Frank Gaglioti, July 12, 2010
The Media Industry Development Decree 2010 contains a series of antidemocratic prescriptions aimed at silencing any voices of opposition against the regime.
Fiji hit by destructive cyclone
By Patrick O’Connor, March 18, 2010
Cyclone Tomas inflicted major damage in parts of Fiji this week. Fiji’s military dictator, Frank Bainimarama declared a state of emergency in the country’s northern and eastern divisions.
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