There’s nothing to prove that Colonel Penioni Naliva was involved in a number of human rights violations, says Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Force (RFMF), Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai.
Maj-Gen Kalouniwai said these were just allegations. His comments come after there was a public outcry of the appointment of Colonel Naliva as deputy commander of the Australian Army’s 7th Brigade.
“These allegations of human rights violations and torture surfaced after a post on social media,” he said.
In an interview with this newspaper, Maj-Gen Kalouniwai said these allegations were causing unnecessary pressure.
“I will not divulge further information on this,” he said.
When asked on his thoughts of Colonel Naliva’s appointment as deputy commander, he said the RFMF put him there.
“He is not going to be there for good,” he said.
He was officially announced as deputy commander of the Australian Army’s 7th Brigade on 25 January.
The Seventh Brigade – Australian Army, on a Facebook post, said the international military partnership was planned for a long time, and it was brilliant to see it begin.
The RFMF, while sharing the post on Facebook congratulated Colonel Naliva on taking up his new post as deputy commander of the Australian Army 7th Brigade.
The post said the appointment solidified Fiji’s defence relationship with Australia.
SOURCE: FIJI TIMES/PACNEWS
