Fiji has called for an immediate peaceful alternative to resolve the crisis in New Caledonia as opposed to any militarisation or fortification by authorities.
Fiji’s permanent representative to the United Nations Filipo Tarakinikini told a UN committee on decolonisation this week it was of serious concern that a disproportionate number of indigenous Kanak people had lost their lives since the conflict began.
He spoke on behalf of Fiji and Papua New Guinea and offered heartfelt sympathies and condolences to those in New Caledonia.
“Today, we have yet again heard loud and clear what colonisation does to a people, their minds and mind-set, their spirit, their will and their dignity,” he said.
“This is why Fiji and Papua New Guinea have, over many years, been clear to this committee on the high importance of managing with tact and sensitivity, the decolonisation issues at stake in New Caledonia, guided by the wishes of all New Caledonians.
“Taking up arms against each other is not the solution, nor is the militarisation and fortification by the authorities in the territory the correct signal.
“In our blue Pacific continent, this is not the Pacific way for addressing differences.”
Mr Tarakinikini said talanoa or peaceful dialogue in the spirit of mutual understanding and confidence-building and trust should lead to the outcome which best represented the aspirations of and the future status of New Caledonia.
“We, therefore, reiterate our call for peaceful dialogue and to prevent any further escalation of the situation. The underlying issues to the conflict we are now witnessing are well known to this committee and beyond.
“More work is needed for a pathway forward for New Caledonians. We welcome and encourage such dialogue. What the future status of New Caledonia will be is a choice and the decision that is entirely in the hands of the people of the territory.
“For our part, leaders of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, last August recommitted to work in solidarity with the people of New Caledonia to assist where we can and in accordance with the wishes of New Caledonia and the administering power.”
He said Fiji would endeavour to work with members and the administering power and the people of New Caledonia for peace, security and stability to be restored and maintained.
Mr Tarakinikini also reiterated that this situation should not deteriorate.
