TUI NAYAU Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara has called on the Bose Levu Vakaturaga to convene and scrutinise the Vuvale Union and Ocean of Peace Alliance treaties before Parliament votes, warning that Fiji must not compromise its sovereignty without fully understanding the long-term consequences.
Raising concerns over the two treaties, Ratu Tevita said they must be carefully examined before Fiji makes commitments that could affect the country’s ability to make its own decisions and bind future generations.
“This is not a rejection of Australia,” Ratu Tevita said.
“It is a defence of Fiji.”
The Tui Nayau warned that closer ties with Australia must not come at the expense of Fiji’s sovereignty.
“Friendship must never require blindness. Co-operation must never become subordination, and no government has the right to gamble with the sovereignty of future generations.”
He said serious questions had already emerged during parliamentary hearings, including provisions that could prevent Fiji from taking disputes arising under the treaties to a court or tribunal.
Ratu Tevita said a permanent secretary, whose ministry would be responsible for major parts of the Vuvale Union, said he had not been consulted during the process.
“If those who must implement these treaties were not consulted, the people and the vanua certainly were not.”
He said the public deserved a plain-language explanation of what deeper integration with Australia could mean for Fiji over the next 10, 25 and 50 years.
“Sovereignty is surrendered in an afternoon and recovered over generations.”
He urged the President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu to ensure the vanua is heard and called for ratification to be withheld until supporting documents are published, independent legal advice is obtained and genuine consultation is held.
