Fed: Australia patronising and naive in South Pacific

AAP General News (Australia)
08-17-2000
Fed: Australia patronising and naive in South Pacific

A forum's heard Australia and New Zealand are seen as patronising, lecturing and naive
by members of the South Pacific.

Keynote speaker to a South Pacific defence forum RON CROCOMBE, says Australia and New
Zealand are being hypocritical in their comments on Fiji.

Both countries have introduced sanctions against Fiji over a non-elected government
put in place following the coup led by GEORGE SPEIGHT.

Professor CROCOMBE says while both countries criticise Fiji, neither have attacked
Samoa or Tonga which have constitution's in place which are much less democratic.

He says naive and patronising lectures, postures and threats from political leaders
are losing Australia and New Zealand support throughout the region.

Prof CROCOMBE says there are different interpretations of democracy in Pacific countries.

And says harsh criticism, such as that practised recently by Australia and New Zealand,
can often hurt the democratic process.

Prof CROCOMBE says there has to be a rethink in the way security issues in the Pacific
are dealt with by its members.

He says this would have to require all nations, especially powerful countries such
as Australia, to give economic growth more attention.

AAP RTV sw/mfh/smf/jn

KEYWORD: PACIFIC (CANBERRA)

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