Suchergebnisse

Policy summary of paper presented at the regional conference on Rethinking regional security: Nexus between research and policy, November 25-26, 2015, University of Canterbury. A partnership between Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies (University of Canterbury), Australian National University, United National Development Program and International Political Science Association ; The existing architecture for Pacific Regionalism, established in 1971, is the result of the inter-play of geopolitics and Pacific diplomacy relating to the newly-independent Pacific island countries and Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). Western Samoa (now Samoa) had led the way to independence in 1962. The Cook Islands was next opting for self-governing status; Nauru and Fiji became independent in 1968 and 1970 respectively. Tonga returned to full independence also in 1970. These five Pacific island countries were responsible for the break away from the SPC council with the aim of forming their own forum.

Interview with Kaliopate Tavola, conducted 10th April 2014 in Suva, Fiji, as part of the Commonwealth Oral History Project. The project aims to produce a unique digital research resource on the oral history of the Commonwealth since 1965 through sixty oral history interviews with leading figures in the recent history of the organisation. It will provide an essential research tool for anyone investigating the history of the Commonwealth and will serve to promote interest in and understanding of the organisation. Biography: Tavola, Kaliopate. 1946- . Born in Dravuni, Fiji. Agricultural Economist with the Fijian Ministry of Agriculture, 1973-1984. Counsellor with the Fijian High Commission, London, 1984-88. Ambassador to Belgium, 1988-98, simultaneously accredited to France, Portugal, Spain, Luxembourg and Greece, as well as to UNESCO and the WTO. Foreign Minister of Fiji, 2000-2006.