The Government says Sodelpa has passed up another opportunity "to show that it can rise above petty politics and work for the national good...At this time, all Fijians should be united in putting our best foot forward. Government believes that visiting leaders should not be used to fight petty political battles. This is an important moment for Fiji, a time for Fijians to put their differences aside—even momentarily—in the interests of the nation."
SODELPA members of Fiji's Opposition will boycott tomorrow's Special Parliament sitting planned for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi much to the disappointment of the Fijian Government who says the party has passed up another opportunity "to show that it can rise above petty politics and work for the national good."
SODELPA POSITION
But the SODELPA members are not giving in, crying foul over the move to withdraw the vote of thanks they said the Opposition Leader was asked to give. Members said the decision was made by government members during the Business Committee yesterday afternoon. "The decision ignores the parliamentary best practice standards where the Prime Minister gives the welcome address and the Leader of the Opposition moves the vote of thanks," a SODELPA statement said.
The members said the decision meant the exclusion of opposition from all arrangements relating to Modi's visit although government insists this is not so as the Opposition Leader Ro Teimumu Kepa is also part of the official party to welcome and farewell the visiting Prime Minister Modi when he arrives and departs at the Nausori Airport tomorrow. SODELPA also expressed concern at the "exclusion of chiefs" in the visit saying it meant that the ceremonies of welcome being accorded to Modi are not based on the normal traditional protocols that other visiting dignitaries and heads of state were accorded "and consequently any ceremonies planned will not embrace the depth, spirit and 'Mana' befitting a leader in Prime Minister Modi."
The party pointed out this was contrary to the welcoming ceremony accorded to the late Shrimati Indira Gandhi when she visited Fiji in September 1981 as the then Indian PM. SODELPA said chiefs were involved. But, government said the traditional welcome ceremony, which will be conducted by people from Sorokaba in Ba, is designed to greet Modi in the proud iTaukei tradition, "and also in a way befitting a leader who rose from humble beginnings to lead the world’s largest democracy."
The government said SODELPA's position is an insult to the people of Ba and all Fijians and in doing so "have put their own political agenda ahead of the national interest." "Indeed, all arrangements were agreed with the Indian Government, and Prime Minister Modi’s representatives were pleased that the welcome would be a popular one and not a formal event for elites only," a Fijian Government statement said. "At this time, all Fijians should be united in putting our best foot forward." Nevertheless, the SODELPA members are remaining firm and have written to Prime Minister Modi to convey their regrets at having to take the decision taken and have outlined reasons why. "SODELPA members said from the outset they had taken the decision to participate in the elections because they wanted to engage, and at every opportunity they have attempted to do just that, however the uncompromising stance of government has made it clear that although elections have concluded, the "top down" approach to governance remains a hindrance to any signs of an early start to a unified approach to resolving the many issues confronting the people of Fiji today," SODELPA said.
Government Response
However, government said the visit is a national one and not one to be politicised. "It is an opportunity for our nation to engage the leader of the world’s largest democracy and one of Fiji’s most important international partners in discussions that are critical for Fiji’s future.
"The visit to Parliament is an opportunity for the elected representatives of all the Fijian people—not just government—to share in this visit. Obviously, the government has primary responsibility for the visit and the official discussions, but it has taken care to ensure that H.E. Prime Minister Modi experiences a visit with all the people of Fiji. "Indeed, all arrangements were agreed with the Indian Government, and Prime Minister Modi’s representatives were pleased that the welcome would be a popular one and not a formal event for elites only. "Government believes that visiting leaders should not be used to fight petty political battles. This is an important moment for Fiji, a time for Fijians to put their differences aside—even momentarily—in the interests of the nation."
The Fijian Government further said the onus was on SODELPA "to show that it think beyond its own agenda, show true leadership, and focus on what is good for the nation." Modi is expected into the country at 6am tomorrow. He departs the country a little after 10pm after a busy and tight schedule including the Albert Park welcoming ceremony, meeting with the Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, the parliamentary sitting, meetings with other Pacific Island leaders, an address at the Fiji National University and a farewell dinner in Suva at 6.30pm.
Read more at: http://fijilive.com/news/2014/11/sodelpa-boycott-disappointing-govt/59695.Fijilive
SODELPA POSITION
But the SODELPA members are not giving in, crying foul over the move to withdraw the vote of thanks they said the Opposition Leader was asked to give. Members said the decision was made by government members during the Business Committee yesterday afternoon. "The decision ignores the parliamentary best practice standards where the Prime Minister gives the welcome address and the Leader of the Opposition moves the vote of thanks," a SODELPA statement said.
The members said the decision meant the exclusion of opposition from all arrangements relating to Modi's visit although government insists this is not so as the Opposition Leader Ro Teimumu Kepa is also part of the official party to welcome and farewell the visiting Prime Minister Modi when he arrives and departs at the Nausori Airport tomorrow. SODELPA also expressed concern at the "exclusion of chiefs" in the visit saying it meant that the ceremonies of welcome being accorded to Modi are not based on the normal traditional protocols that other visiting dignitaries and heads of state were accorded "and consequently any ceremonies planned will not embrace the depth, spirit and 'Mana' befitting a leader in Prime Minister Modi."
The party pointed out this was contrary to the welcoming ceremony accorded to the late Shrimati Indira Gandhi when she visited Fiji in September 1981 as the then Indian PM. SODELPA said chiefs were involved. But, government said the traditional welcome ceremony, which will be conducted by people from Sorokaba in Ba, is designed to greet Modi in the proud iTaukei tradition, "and also in a way befitting a leader who rose from humble beginnings to lead the world’s largest democracy."
The government said SODELPA's position is an insult to the people of Ba and all Fijians and in doing so "have put their own political agenda ahead of the national interest." "Indeed, all arrangements were agreed with the Indian Government, and Prime Minister Modi’s representatives were pleased that the welcome would be a popular one and not a formal event for elites only," a Fijian Government statement said. "At this time, all Fijians should be united in putting our best foot forward." Nevertheless, the SODELPA members are remaining firm and have written to Prime Minister Modi to convey their regrets at having to take the decision taken and have outlined reasons why. "SODELPA members said from the outset they had taken the decision to participate in the elections because they wanted to engage, and at every opportunity they have attempted to do just that, however the uncompromising stance of government has made it clear that although elections have concluded, the "top down" approach to governance remains a hindrance to any signs of an early start to a unified approach to resolving the many issues confronting the people of Fiji today," SODELPA said.
Government Response
However, government said the visit is a national one and not one to be politicised. "It is an opportunity for our nation to engage the leader of the world’s largest democracy and one of Fiji’s most important international partners in discussions that are critical for Fiji’s future.
"The visit to Parliament is an opportunity for the elected representatives of all the Fijian people—not just government—to share in this visit. Obviously, the government has primary responsibility for the visit and the official discussions, but it has taken care to ensure that H.E. Prime Minister Modi experiences a visit with all the people of Fiji. "Indeed, all arrangements were agreed with the Indian Government, and Prime Minister Modi’s representatives were pleased that the welcome would be a popular one and not a formal event for elites only. "Government believes that visiting leaders should not be used to fight petty political battles. This is an important moment for Fiji, a time for Fijians to put their differences aside—even momentarily—in the interests of the nation."
The Fijian Government further said the onus was on SODELPA "to show that it think beyond its own agenda, show true leadership, and focus on what is good for the nation." Modi is expected into the country at 6am tomorrow. He departs the country a little after 10pm after a busy and tight schedule including the Albert Park welcoming ceremony, meeting with the Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, the parliamentary sitting, meetings with other Pacific Island leaders, an address at the Fiji National University and a farewell dinner in Suva at 6.30pm.
Read more at: http://fijilive.com/news/2014/11/sodelpa-boycott-disappointing-govt/59695.Fijilive
STATEMENT
[No 20 /11/2014]
Members of the SODELPA Opposition in Parliament today decided to Boycott the special Parliament meeting planned for visiting Indian Prime Minister His Excellency, Narendra Modi tomorrow, Wednesday 19th November 2014.
In a statement issued today by the SODELPA Opposition caucus, members stated the decision to boycott came after a two hour deliberation on the issue today.
The SODELPA members said in their statement that this protest is not aimed at Prime Minister Modi, but at the uncompromising stance of government in relation to the planning and preparations of the visit.
Members said the Opposition was basically excluded from all of the arrangements relating to Prime Minister Modi’s visit and the last remaining semblance of its ‘inclusion’ in the visit which was the vote of thanks that the Opposition Leader was asked to give, was withdrawn by government members during the Business Committee on Monday afternoon. This decision ignores parliamentary best practice standards where the Prime Minister gives the welcome address and the Leader of the Opposition moves the vote of thanks.
Members expressed concern that the exclusion of the Chiefs in the visit meant that the ceremonies of welcome being accorded to Prime Minister Modi are not based on the normal traditional protocols that other visiting dignitaries and heads of state were accorded and consequently any ceremonies planned will not embrace the ‘depth, spirit and ‘Mana’ befitting a leader in Prime Minister Modi.
Precedence shows that in September 1981, the Chiefs and the people of Fiji welcomed the late Honourable Shrimati Indira Gandhi to Fiji and on this occasion as with all previous occasions when world leaders, heads of state and Royalty graced us with a visit to our islands, she was accorded full ceremonies of welcome by the traditional Chiefly leadership in this country.
SODELPA members have written to Prime Minister Modi recording their regrets at having to take the decision taken and have outlined the reasons why.
SODELPA members said from the outset they had taken the decision to participate in the elections because they wanted to engage, and at every opportunity they have attempted to do just that, however the uncompromising stance of government has made it clear that although elections have concluded, the ‘top down’ approach to governance remains a hindrance to any signs of an early start to a unified approach to resolving the many issues confronting the people of Fiji today.
SODELPA members said they have tried to co-operate and were initially happy to participate in the proceedings tomorrow, however the unilateral decisions by government on this occasion has made it clear, co-operation is currently not part of the governments’ agenda.
Authorized By: SODELPA Opposition Caucus
[No 20 /11/2014]
Members of the SODELPA Opposition in Parliament today decided to Boycott the special Parliament meeting planned for visiting Indian Prime Minister His Excellency, Narendra Modi tomorrow, Wednesday 19th November 2014.
In a statement issued today by the SODELPA Opposition caucus, members stated the decision to boycott came after a two hour deliberation on the issue today.
The SODELPA members said in their statement that this protest is not aimed at Prime Minister Modi, but at the uncompromising stance of government in relation to the planning and preparations of the visit.
Members said the Opposition was basically excluded from all of the arrangements relating to Prime Minister Modi’s visit and the last remaining semblance of its ‘inclusion’ in the visit which was the vote of thanks that the Opposition Leader was asked to give, was withdrawn by government members during the Business Committee on Monday afternoon. This decision ignores parliamentary best practice standards where the Prime Minister gives the welcome address and the Leader of the Opposition moves the vote of thanks.
Members expressed concern that the exclusion of the Chiefs in the visit meant that the ceremonies of welcome being accorded to Prime Minister Modi are not based on the normal traditional protocols that other visiting dignitaries and heads of state were accorded and consequently any ceremonies planned will not embrace the ‘depth, spirit and ‘Mana’ befitting a leader in Prime Minister Modi.
Precedence shows that in September 1981, the Chiefs and the people of Fiji welcomed the late Honourable Shrimati Indira Gandhi to Fiji and on this occasion as with all previous occasions when world leaders, heads of state and Royalty graced us with a visit to our islands, she was accorded full ceremonies of welcome by the traditional Chiefly leadership in this country.
SODELPA members have written to Prime Minister Modi recording their regrets at having to take the decision taken and have outlined the reasons why.
SODELPA members said from the outset they had taken the decision to participate in the elections because they wanted to engage, and at every opportunity they have attempted to do just that, however the uncompromising stance of government has made it clear that although elections have concluded, the ‘top down’ approach to governance remains a hindrance to any signs of an early start to a unified approach to resolving the many issues confronting the people of Fiji today.
SODELPA members said they have tried to co-operate and were initially happy to participate in the proceedings tomorrow, however the unilateral decisions by government on this occasion has made it clear, co-operation is currently not part of the governments’ agenda.
Authorized By: SODELPA Opposition Caucus
Bainimarama meets the villagers of Sorokoba of Ba who will perform the traditional ceremonies of welcome for the Indian Prime Minister, Hon. Narendra Modi Fiji Government Statement:
The Government is extremely disappointed that SODELPA has decided to boycott the special Parliamentary meeting planned for the visiting Indian Prime Minister, H.E. Narendra Modi.
This visit is a national event, not a political one. It is an opportunity for our nation to engage the leader of the world’s largest democracy and one of Fiji’s most important international partners in discussions that are critical for Fiji’s future.
The visit to Parliament is an opportunity for the elected representatives of all the Fijian people—not just government—to share in this visit. Obviously, the government has primary responsibility for the visit and the official discussions, but it has taken care to ensure that H.E. Prime Minister Modi experiences a visit with all the people of Fiji.
A visit to Parliament gives him the opportunity to address all of Fiji’s elected leaders. Government notes, in fact, that the opposition leader, following protocol, is a member of the official welcoming and farewelling parties.
The traditional welcome ceremony, which will be conducted by people from Sorokaba in Ba, was designed to greet Mr. Modi in the proud iTaukei tradition, and also in a way befitting a leader who rose from humble beginnings to lead the world’s largest democracy.
Indeed, all arrangements were agreed with the Indian Government, and Prime Minister Modi’s representatives were pleased that the welcome would be a popular one and not a formal event for elites only. SODELPA’s position is an insult to the people of Ba and all Fijians. The members of SODELPA have put their own political agenda ahead of the national interest.
At this time, all Fijians should be united in putting our best foot forward.
Government believes that visiting leaders should not be used to fight petty political battles. This is an important moment for Fiji, a time for Fijians to put their differences aside—even momentarily—in the interests of the nation.
Unfortunately, SODELPA has passed up another opportunity to show that it can rise above petty politics and work for the national good. The burden is on SODELPA to show that it think beyond its own agenda, show true leadership, and focus on what is good for the nation.
The Government is extremely disappointed that SODELPA has decided to boycott the special Parliamentary meeting planned for the visiting Indian Prime Minister, H.E. Narendra Modi.
This visit is a national event, not a political one. It is an opportunity for our nation to engage the leader of the world’s largest democracy and one of Fiji’s most important international partners in discussions that are critical for Fiji’s future.
The visit to Parliament is an opportunity for the elected representatives of all the Fijian people—not just government—to share in this visit. Obviously, the government has primary responsibility for the visit and the official discussions, but it has taken care to ensure that H.E. Prime Minister Modi experiences a visit with all the people of Fiji.
A visit to Parliament gives him the opportunity to address all of Fiji’s elected leaders. Government notes, in fact, that the opposition leader, following protocol, is a member of the official welcoming and farewelling parties.
The traditional welcome ceremony, which will be conducted by people from Sorokaba in Ba, was designed to greet Mr. Modi in the proud iTaukei tradition, and also in a way befitting a leader who rose from humble beginnings to lead the world’s largest democracy.
Indeed, all arrangements were agreed with the Indian Government, and Prime Minister Modi’s representatives were pleased that the welcome would be a popular one and not a formal event for elites only. SODELPA’s position is an insult to the people of Ba and all Fijians. The members of SODELPA have put their own political agenda ahead of the national interest.
At this time, all Fijians should be united in putting our best foot forward.
Government believes that visiting leaders should not be used to fight petty political battles. This is an important moment for Fiji, a time for Fijians to put their differences aside—even momentarily—in the interests of the nation.
Unfortunately, SODELPA has passed up another opportunity to show that it can rise above petty politics and work for the national good. The burden is on SODELPA to show that it think beyond its own agenda, show true leadership, and focus on what is good for the nation.
Meanwhile, Opposition in India have also racked up some ludicrous barbs, claiming Indians were flown to Australia to make up the numbers Down Under:
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-nation tour, has been described caustically as an "NRI" by one of his sharpest critics, Bihar politician Lalu Yadav.
"Narendra Modi is no more the country's prime minister. He is an NRI. He has bought some media who chant his name. Photographs are being taken of fake cleanliness drives. The media is portraying that Modi's popularity is booming abroad when there is trouble at our borders," Mr Yadav, the former Bihar chief minister, said on Tuesday, adding to the litany of opposition barbs at the Prime Minister's foreign visits.
On Sunday, Congress leader Salman Khurshid had questioned the large crowds at PM Modi's events abroad and suggested that people were flown from India to cheer for him.
"It is easy to gather a crowd and give speeches. If you don't believe me, check flight tickets," Mr Khurshid was quoted as saying by a news agency.
In a blog, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley sneered at Mr Khurshid's "fascinating claim."
Mr Jaitley wrote, "If UPA leaders, during their days in Government, left the expatriate Indian population underwhelmed, is it to be presumed that this should be true for others? I can understand the plight of Salman and his party colleagues particularly when Prime Minister Narendra Modi gets a larger crowd in Sydney than what Salman's leader gets in India."
Mr Khurshid had referenced the Prime Minister's address to the Indian diaspora in Nay Pyi Taw three days ago and questioned how a crowd of 20,000 people gathered at the Myanmarese capital where streets are generally empty.
Mr Modi is in Melbourne where he today winds up a four-day visit before travelling to Fiji.
With this tour, he will have visited nine countries in six foreign trips since taking charge in May. Reports suggest the tours amount to a record 29-30 days abroad for any prime minister, a fact that the opposition has used to target Mr Modi.
"Narendra Modi is no more the country's prime minister. He is an NRI. He has bought some media who chant his name. Photographs are being taken of fake cleanliness drives. The media is portraying that Modi's popularity is booming abroad when there is trouble at our borders," Mr Yadav, the former Bihar chief minister, said on Tuesday, adding to the litany of opposition barbs at the Prime Minister's foreign visits.
On Sunday, Congress leader Salman Khurshid had questioned the large crowds at PM Modi's events abroad and suggested that people were flown from India to cheer for him.
"It is easy to gather a crowd and give speeches. If you don't believe me, check flight tickets," Mr Khurshid was quoted as saying by a news agency.
In a blog, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley sneered at Mr Khurshid's "fascinating claim."
Mr Jaitley wrote, "If UPA leaders, during their days in Government, left the expatriate Indian population underwhelmed, is it to be presumed that this should be true for others? I can understand the plight of Salman and his party colleagues particularly when Prime Minister Narendra Modi gets a larger crowd in Sydney than what Salman's leader gets in India."
Mr Khurshid had referenced the Prime Minister's address to the Indian diaspora in Nay Pyi Taw three days ago and questioned how a crowd of 20,000 people gathered at the Myanmarese capital where streets are generally empty.
Mr Modi is in Melbourne where he today winds up a four-day visit before travelling to Fiji.
With this tour, he will have visited nine countries in six foreign trips since taking charge in May. Reports suggest the tours amount to a record 29-30 days abroad for any prime minister, a fact that the opposition has used to target Mr Modi.
Modi addressing Indians in Sydney
