Press Release on the Crisis in the Pacific

Forwards! Press Release on the Crisis in the Pacific

Over recent weeks the Pacific has been in Crisis. The region has been rocked by territorial claims and action on a scale not seen in a long time. The New Zealand Government offered to stand in as an independent mediator. They acted in the best interests of the nation and region by utilising the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Further to this goal they were supported by the New Zealand Defence Force. Through the government’s actions it seems that the crisis will be seeing a peaceful resolution. Forwards! would like to commend the government on their swift action to halt any further escalation. We would also like to commend the success of the negotiations.

Forwards! does not believe that the handling of this issue was done to the best of the Government’s abilities. Had it not been for luck in some places, the plan would have fallen apart. We recognise that Fiji was told to adhere to what was outlined in the press release. It is not acceptable that international diplomacy of such a high importance have any unintended ambiguity. The New Zealand Government should be working as closely as possible with both parties to ensure the resolution process succeeds. Forwards! would seek a review of the internal process that lead to that failure.

Going into the future Forwards! hopes Tonga and Fiji will respect the consensus that has been reached and work to action it as soon as possible. There must be a plan in case this fails. Forwards! requests that the Government prepare and release in-confidence draft proposals for action in the worst-case scenario of this plan failing.

Forwards! hopes to see the government respond to our requests without undue delay.

Toastinrussian CNZM

Leader: Forwards!