Solidarität mit Französisch-Polynesien
05.11.2004: Das Pacific Concerns Resource Centre für Demokratie und Bürgerrechte in Französisch-Polynesien
Die in Fiji ansässige Nichtregierungsorganisation "Pacific Concerns Resource Centre"- das Sekretariat des "Nuclear Free and Independent Movement" - hat in einer Pressemitteilung vom 4. November 2004 die Oberhäupter pazifischer Staaten gebeten, sich für die Wahrung der Demokratie und das Bürgerrecht auf freie Wahlen in dem französischen Überseeterritorium Französisch-Polynesien einzusetzen. Es folgt die Mitteilung im englischen Original:
Te Ao Maohi Needs International Support Now!
The Pacific Concerns Resource Centre is saddened by the situation where procedures in Te Ao Maohi/French Polynesia's Organic Law No. 2004-192 were flouted resulting in the current political impasse.
Article 69 stipulates that the Assembly of French Polynesia may validly carry out the election of the President only if three-fifths of the 57 members are present. However, only 29 members participated in the vote (23 from Tahoeraa Huiraatira, Gaston Flosse's party and six from newly formed group Te Ara) - falling short of four - that led to the Presidential appointment of Gaston Flosse.
"The deposed President Oscar Temaru has since exercised Article 70 whereby any representative at the Assembly of French Polynesia, before the Council of State, can challenge the results of the election of the president. It is supposed to rule within five days from the said proclamation and is a procedure, which has been ignored," said Acting PCRC Director, Tupou Vere.
PCRC calls on all Pacific Island leaders, the French government and the international community to voice concern especially after a fundamental democratic procedure has clearly been disregarded.
"Although the expressions of concern over its present political situation by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat is welcomed, a more substantive approach needs to be taken to ensure the situation does not escalate into uncontrolled hostilities. And this is why the Forum should act now," she said.
"French Polynesia who was granted observer status at this year Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Apia, has effectively strengthened its ties in the Pacific and now more than ever needs all the support it can get," said Ms Vere.
PCRC is now urging all Pacific Heads of Government to use their powers to evoke the principles outlined in the Biketawa Declaration to find means of resolving the political impasse in Te Ao Maohi/French Polynesia.
As stipulated in the Biketawa Declaration Article 2 - PCRC calls on the Forum to constructively address difficult and sensitive issues including underlying causes of tensions and conflict. To this end, the PIF Secretary General after consulting with the Forum Chairman should initiate the following processes:
i) Assess the situation, make a judgement as to the significance of the developments and consult the Forum Chair and such other Forum leaders may be feasible to secure approval to initiate further action;
ii) Consult the national authorities concerned regarding assistance available from the Forum; and
iii) Advise and consult with the Forum Foreign Ministers, and based on these consultations, undertake action (e) to assist in the resolution of the crisis.
PCRC supports the call to dissolve the Assembly of Polynesia and hold fresh elections to determine a clear majority with which the government will be able to function.
PCRC is of the view that fresh elections will enable the Polynesians to determine their future, so that they can freely and clearly express their preferences.
"It is important that France "move quickly to resolve the current political impasse and ensure that the principles of democracy and the procedures contained in the French Polynesian and the French State Constitution are upheld" Ms Vere said.
PCRC also commends the Maohi people for not resorting to violence in this difficult struggle and encourage Te Ao Maohi to continue to advocate for non-violent means to find an end to this impasse.
For further Information contact: Acting Director Tupou Vere, Campaign Assistant- Decolonisation: Marie Pierre Hazera or AD- Information: Peter Emberson; E-mail: pcrc@connect.com.fj
Die Atomtestveteranenvereinigung "Moruroa e tatou" hat sich in einem offenen Brief an den französischen Präsidenten Jacques Chirac gewandt und um Neuwahlen für das tahitianische Volk gebeten. Der Brief von "Moruroa e tatou"-Präsident Roland Oldham befindet sich in der Anlage.
Die Gesellschaft für bedrohte Völker fordert ebenfalls Neuwahlen. Sie hat dazu einen Email-Appell an den franz. Präsidenten entworfen, dieser findet sich unter dem Stichwort "Aktionen" auf der Homepage www.gfbv.de. Alle werden zum Mitmachen aufgefordert, ein Musterbrief steht auf der Seite der GfbV.
