Ambassador Osman Siddique was today recalled to the United States for consultations
with the United States
government regarding the crisis in Fiji.
The United States continues to be deeply concerned about the current situation
in Fiji.
We deplore both hostage taking and efforts to deny political rights to citizens
of Fiji.
The appointment of an un-elected government by the military, even if composed
of civilians, clearly does not represent a
return to lawful, constitutional government.
We note the absence of any Indo-Fijians or women in the interim administration.
We have stated that upholding basic principles of democracy and international
standards of human rights, as embodied in
Fiji’s 1997 constitution, would be a benchmark for determining our reaction
to the crisis in Fiji.
We are now considering a range of steps in consultation with other nations
that could have a serious impact on Fiji.
Deputy Chief of Mission Ron McMullen will serve as Charge until Ambassador
Siddique returns to Fiji.
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last revision July 13, 2000