Fiji Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Sakiasi Ditoka is recommending that Government proceed with the ratification of two major treaties with Australia, despite concerns raised by a parliamentary committee over their potential implications for Fiji’s sovereignty, foreign policy and national security.
Speaking to MaiTV, Ditoka said there is too much at stake for the governments involved to delay the process, arguing that the concerns highlighted in the committee’s report can be addressed as implementation moves forward.
He said Government should take note of the committee’s findings but continue with the path already taken.
The committee had raised concerns about security implications, Fiji’s independent foreign policy and potential loopholes in the framework Government is seeking to address.
It had also requested legal advice from the Solicitor-General, who did not appear before the committee.
However, Ditoka said these issues have been raised previously and can be resolved without taking the process back to the committee.
He said Government will carefully examine the report and work towards addressing as many of the recommendations as possible.
On national security, Ditoka has dismissed concerns that Fiji could be exposed to risks under the proposed agreements, saying the country has sufficient safeguards in place.
He said Fiji has regional partners supporting its security interests and Government has undertaken its own assessments to ensure the country’s interests are protected.
Ditoka maintained that Government’s position is to move forward while taking the committee’s concerns into consideration.
