Treaty puts Fiji’s role in a war under scrutiny

Fiji would not automatically be required to send its military into an Australian conflict under the proposed Ocean of Peace Alliance, or Veitacini Treaty, a senior government official told Parliament.

Dr Lesikimacuata Korovavala, permanent secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, gave the assurance after committee member Virendra Lal asked whether Fiji could be obliged to participate if Australia entered an armed conflict with a major Pacific power. Lal also questioned whether such a commitment could threaten Fiji’s historically non-aligned foreign policy.

Korovavala said the treaty would not override Fiji’s domestic decision-making. If a security issue arose, Fiji and Australia would communicate and discuss the most appropriate response. He said the approach followed Fiji’s Ocean of Peace Declaration and its preference for resolving regional disputes through dialogue rather than confrontation.

Committee member Rinesh Sharma asked what would happen if diplomacy failed. He said major powers had exploited the Pacific for decades and asked what defence mechanisms Fiji would have and who would help if dialogue ceased to be an option. Korovavala replied that diplomacy remained one of Fiji’s first lines of defence. He also cited Fiji’s peacekeeping record and its long-standing diplomatic role in conflict resolution.

The proposed alliance would operate under international law and the UN Charter, Korovavala said. Lawmakers also asked about foreign military personnel operating in Fiji. Committee chair Lenora Qereqeretabua questioned whether visiting Australian or other foreign forces would remain subject to Fijian courts or receive immunity. Korovavala said Fijian law applied, and any immunity would require a specific legal framework and agreed arrangements.