| Press Statement Sean McCormack, Spokesman Washington, DC December 19, 2006 Fiji: U.S. Measures in Response to Military CoupThe United States reiterates its condemnation of the Fiji military’s overthrow of the lawfully elected government. We continue our call on Commodore Bainimarama to abandon his extra-judicial activities, withdraw completely from politics, and restore Fiji's legitimate democratically elected government. The United States reviewed its assistance programs and policy options under Section 508 of the Foreign Operations Appropriations Act and determined it appropriate to cease all applicable U.S. assistance directed to the Government of Fiji. This decision covers approximately $2.5 million in primarily military-related assistance, such as the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and International Military Education and Training (IMET) programs. This action further precludes new economic assistance programs to the government of Fiji under the Foreign Operations Appropriations Act, including the Millennium Challenge Account. The United States also will suspend all deliveries and sales of lethal military equipment to Fiji, official visits to the United States and U.S.-sponsored events in third countries by senior Fiji military officials and members of the illegitimate interim government, and the Fiji military’s participation in and planning for joint military exercises and U.S.-sponsored conferences and courses. Visa sanctions will be imposed on coup and interim government leaders. These measures will remain in place until the President or Secretary of State determines that a democratically elected government has taken office. Other U.S. actions taken in response to the coup are subject to further review as circumstances in Fiji merit. ### 2006/1128 # # # |
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