The RFMF must hold its line Minister PIO TIKODUADUA to account. Did he collude with Sitiveni Rabuka and the Coalition Cabinet to keep Jone Kalouniwai in dark on Fiji's UN Voting Intention? Answers, Tikoduadua

*Did PIO TIKODUADUA, the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, collude with Sitiveni Rabuka and the Coalition government in keeping RFMF Commander Kalouniwai and the RFMF top brass in the dark on Fiji's voting intention at the United Nations General Assembly on Gaza?
Was it the fugitive Filipo Tarakinikini, and Lesi Korovalavala, who decided Fiji's VOTE?

*We are chided and told we shouldn't give 'a rat's ass' on Fiji voting for the indiscriminate bombardment and killing of innocent Palestinians by Israel following the Hamas attack on 7 October.
*But we do because the Fiji VOTE has put both the country and hundreds of Fijian peacekeepers lives at risk in the Middle East.
*It took over four days for RFMF Commander Ro Jone Kalouniwai to confirm that neither he nor the military, as most critical stakeholders, were consulted on Fiji's vote at the UN General Assembly.
*Did PIO TIKODUADUA collude with Rabuka and the Coalition government in keeping Kalouniwai in the dark on Fiji's voting intention at the UN?
*In 2014, when the Syrian al-Qaeda branch al-Nusra Front captured 45 UN Fijian peacekeepers from Fiji in Golan Heights, it was NOT Israel but Iran and Qatar on whom Fiji leaned heavily for help to free the Fijians.

*According to ROBIN NAIR, the former Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, he was tasked to approach Qatar and convince the Kingdom to help free the captured soldiers but Qatar was not interested during the first round of talks.
*Nair approached Iran who told him to return to Qatar and that Qatar was the only country that could help because the Qataris were the main financiers of Al Nusra insurgents.
*Iran offered to help Fiji by using its influence with Qatar, to ask it to entertain Fiji's overtures with compassion. Nair did most of the running around in the region. He also approached Saudi Arabia.
*In the end, Al Nusra released the captured UN Fijian peacekeepers but Nair has declined to reveal how many millions changed hands (if any) to get the captured soldiers released. Al Nusra had threatened to put the 45 Fijian soldiers captured in Golan Heights for trial under Sharia Law.

The Commander of the Republic of Military Forces, Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai says the RFMF expresses its deep concerns with the non-consultative approach taken by the Government of Fiji in its recent decision to disapprove the United Nations resolution on Gaza.

In a statement, Major General Kalouniwai says it is disheartening to see a decision taken without due consideration for the potential impact on the safety and well-being of our brave men and women in uniform.

The Commander says the RFMF acknowledges the government's prerogative to make decisions regarding international affairs; however, they firmly believe that consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the RFMF, is essential when determining positions on critical matters such as the UN resolution on Gaza.

Major General Kalouniwai says the decision to disapprove the resolution without prior consultation has raised concerns about the potential risk and danger faced by our troops in the region.
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He says the RFMF has a proud history of contributing to international peacekeeping efforts, including deployments to the Middle East.

The Commander says our troops have consistently displayed professionalism, dedication, and a commitment to upholding the values of peace and security.

Major General Kalouniwai says the RFMF urges the government to recognize the importance of inclusive decision-making processes, particularly when matters have significant implications for our military personnel.

He says consultation with the RFMF and other relevant stakeholders is crucial to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the potential risks and to develop a well-informed position that aligns with our commitment to peacekeeping efforts and the protection of our troops.

He further calls upon the Government of Fiji to reevaluate its decision regarding the UN resolution on Gaza and consider the potential consequences for our troops deployed in the Middle East.

Major General Kalouniwai says their safety and security should remain a top priority, and it is crucial that their contributions to international peacekeeping efforts are fully supported and respected.

The RFMF Commander remains committed to working constructively with the government to address this issue and to ensure that the interests and well-being of our troops are safeguarded.
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He says they believe in the power of open dialogue, collaboration, and informed decision-making to achieve the best outcomes for Fiji and its military forces. Source: Fijivillage News
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SAFE TRIP: Only this week Kalouniwai and the family were farewelling one of their own to SINAI at the Commander's residence