Coalition government partner, the National Federation Party, has hit back at Fiji’s vote against a resolution at the United Nations calling for truce and ceasefire in Gaza to allow facilitation of humanitarian aid.
NFP General Secretary, Kamal Iyer believes Fiji’s reputation as a regional leader has been dented by its vote against the truce and ceasefire.
The NFP’s concerns have been relayed by Professor Prasad to the Prime Minister and People’s Alliance Leader, Sitiveni Rabuka and Deputy Prime Minister and SODELPA Leader, Viliame Gavoka.
The NFP says it has the right to disagree on issues and policies of the coalition government which in its view hurt our reputation as a nation, isn’t in the national interest and is against the objectives and principles of the party.
Iyer says they know and understand that they are part of the coalition government, and the principles of collective cabinet and parliamentary responsibility but this should not in any way prevent them from speaking out on issues as a political party, especially those that are contrary to their long held views on human rights, and humanitarianism.
The NFP says it strongly disagrees with Fiji’s stance in the UN on an issue that has spiraled out of control and is resulting in the killing of civilians and children.
The coalition partner says Fiji also had the option of abstaining but didn’t.
Iyer says any nation has the right to defend itself against terrorism and Israel is no exception but it must not result in inhumane treatment by both Israel or Hamas of civilians and children or denial of essential supplies like food, water and medicine.
Iyer adds that the NFP makes it absolutely clear that the party’s public position on this issue in no way undermines either the coalition or its leadership.
We have sent questions on the vote to Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka. He is yet to respond.
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