NZ Recognises Fiji

Jack Kelleher reports on the new ambassador

NEW ZEALAND’S appointment of an ambassador to Fiji, to succeed its retiring high commissioner, was seen in the New Zealand Parliament as the first formal indication of recognition of the new regime. Brian Absolum, previously New Zealand high commissioner in West ern Samoa, was succeeding high commis sioner to Fiji Rod Gates.

Initial public reaction focused on the names, and seemed to miss the upgrading of the office.

But New Zealand Opposition leader Jim Bolger observed that by the change of title the country was recognising the new Government’s declaration of a republic: representatives between Commonwealth countries used the term high commis sioner, and by making the change the New Zealand Government was acknowledging the change in Suva. The Opposition wel comed the resumption of diplomatic ties with Fiji.

Mr Bolger said he hoped Prime Min ister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara’s visit to London would turn out to be the first step in returning Fiji to the Commonwealth under a democratically elected government.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Russell Marshall had made no point of the title in announcing Mr Absolum’s appointment.

He said that at a time when much remains to be done to restore both political and

economic stability in Fiji, it is essential that New Zealand monitor the situation closely and “maintain contact with the interim Government”.

Asked whether the appointment meant recognition of the new Government, Mr Marshall said it was not usual for New Zealand to formally declare a position on recognition. The practice had been for this to “be inferred from the nature and level of our dealings with a particular Government”.

The appointment did not represent any change, he insisted. “We had an ambas sador before; we are now appointing a new ambassador to take his place.”

Before his posting to Western Samoa Mr Absolum served in Canberra as dep uty high commissioner, and in other countries.

Before retiring high commissioner Gates returned to Wellington, and the for eign affairs department, he was enter tained at a Government House dinner in Suva. Former Prime Minister Timoci Ba vadra invited him to lake part in the lay ing of foundation posts for a new meeting house in the village of Viseisei.

At an interview in his own office in Suva, Gates said he had great faith in the resilience of the Fiji people. “They will pull out of their problems because of the com mitment they have to their country and culture.” □