SPFS( 89) 1 9
TWENTIETH SOUTH PACIFIC FORUM
TARAWA, KIRIBATI
-11 JULY 1989
FORUM COMMUNIQUE
The Twentieth South Pacific Forum was held in Tarawa, Kiribati, from
10-11 July, 1989. The Forum was attended by Heads of Governments of Australia,
the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, New Zealand, Nauru,
Niue, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Fiji, Papua New
Guinea and Solomon Islands were represented by their Deputy Prime Ministers,
Tonga by its Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence and Western Samoa by its
Minister for Justice and Associate Minister for Foreign Affairs. The Beretitenti of
Kiribati, His Excellency leremia Tabai GCMG, chaired the meeting.
DIALOGUE Forum/ Dialogue Partners Meeting
2. In accordance with the decision taken at the 1988 South Pacific Forum, a
number of selected non-regional governments with a demonstrated and
constructive interest in the South Pacific were invited to participate in a post-Forum
Dialogue with a representative panel of Forum leaders. The Forum welcomed the
attendance at the inaugural Dialogue of:
Canada Hon. Pat Carney
Personal Representative of the Secretary
of State for External Affairs
France HE Ambassador Philippe Baude
Permanent Secretary for the Pacific I
Japan HE. Ambassador Toshio Isogai
Japanese Ambassador to Fiji
United Kingdom
Lord Glenarthur Minister of State
Foreign Commonwealth Office
United States
Mr C. Edward Dillery
Assistant Secretary, Director of Management Policy
Department of State
Although accepting an invitation to participate in the Dialogue, the People's
Republic of China was unable to attend.
3. Forum leaders highlighted a number of issues which they wished to
discuss with the Dialogue Partners, both individually and collectively. These
included driftnetting and other fisheries concerns, environmental and nuclear
issues, New Caledonia, trade and investment, regional transportation,
development assistance and the need to improve the productive and marketing
capabilities of Forum island Countries.
Dialogue with Non-member Donors
4. The Forum welcomed increased donor involvement in the region and their
continued interest in the development of South Pacific countries. In light of the
newly Introduced dialogue arrangements, , the Forum agreed that major
consultations with those donor governments and organisations that are invited to
participate in the Post-Forum Dialogue will be in the Dialogue. The Forum noted
with particular appreciation the valuable cooperation arrangements developing with
Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European
Community. 2
Association of South-East Asian Nations ( ASEAN)
The Forum considered that new efforts should be made to develop a more
comprehensive relationship with ASEAN.
ECONOMIC ISSUES
6. Regional fisheries issues and the inaugural post-Forum Dialogue were the
main focus of the 20th Forum, although a range of economic issues was discussed.
Reports of the Committee on Regional Economic Issues and the
Regional Committee on Trade
7. The Forum considered Reports from the Committee on Regional Economic
Issues and the Regional Committee on Trade, which addressed a broad range of
economic and development matters of concern to member countries. The Forum
agreed there was a need for member Governments to explore new trade and
investment policy initiatives to promote national development. It recognised the
importance of the GATT/ Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations. The
Prime Minister of Australia advised the Forum of developments in proposals for
closer economic cooperation amongst Asia/ Pacific countries, and indicated that he
would discuss with representatives of those governments involved the possibility of
the Forum being invited to observe the meeting proposed to be held in Canberra.
The Forum agreed that if such an invitation were issued it should be represented by
the Secretary General.
8. The Forum agreed that meetings of Forum trade and economic Ministers
be held to address specific economic issues and concerns, It expressed
satisfaction with the strengthening of the Secretariat's capacity to provide economic
analysis and advice since the Nuku'alofa Forum in 1988. It directed that the
Committee on Regional Economic Issues and the Regional Committee on Trade
continue to meet in tandem to address economic and trade issues.
Telecommunications
9. The Forum noted with gratitude the reconfirmation by the Prime Minister of
Australia of the offer of A$ 2.6m as assistance for the Pacific Area Cooperative
Telecommunications Network ( PACT) which was made at the 19th South Pacific
Forum in Nuku'alofa. As requested by governments interested in participating in the
network, these funds will be used to modify national earth stations in participating
Forum Island Countries.
Fisheries Issues Drlftnets
The Forum expressed its profound concern that the damange now being
done by pelagic drift net fishing to the economy and environment of the South
Pacific region. Given the catastrophic effects of this fishing technique on the lives of
the peoples of the South Pacific, the Forum adopted the Tarawa Declaration.
Through the Declaration the Forum:
resolved for the sake of this and succeeding generations of Pacific
peoples to seek the establishment of a regime for the management of
albacore tuna in the South Pacific that would ban drift net fishing from the
region; such a ban might then be a first step to a comprehensive ban on
such fishing;
determined, to this end, to convene an urgent meeting of regional
diplomatic, legal and fisheries experts, to develop a Convention to give
effect to its common resolve to create a zone free of drift net fishing;
called on the international community to support. and cooperate in, the
urgent conclusion of a Convention establishing the zone;
resolved that individual member states of the South Pacific Forum will
take all possible measures in the interim to prevent drift net fishing within
their waters, and to otherwise actively discourage operations of drift net
rfsihers;
further resolved that member states acting individually and collectively
will take what action they can within relevant international organisations
to contribute to the cessation of this harmful form of fishing;
commended the Republic of Korea for its decision to cease drift net
fishing in the region; and
called on Japan and Taiwan to follow this example, and abandon
immediately their damaging drift net operations.
11. The Forum accepted the generous offer of the New Zealand Government
to host the meeting of experts to develop the drift net Convention.
12. The Forum recognised the urgent need for closer cooperation among all
Forum members in order to protect and preserve their fishery and other marine
resources as effectively and cost-efficiently as possible. The Forum therefore
directed the Forum Fisheries Agency to investigate, promote and implement the
design and development of an Integrated Programme of Regional Fisheries
Surveillance. 13. The Forum was pleased that Japan had agreed to begin discussion with
Forum Fisheries Agency member countnies on a multilateral fisheries arrangement,
but disappointed that no progress had otherwise been made on the issue. It renewed
its mandate to the Director of FFA to continue negotiations with a view to early
agreement on a multilateral fisheries arrangement.
Pacific Economic Cooperation Conference ( PECC)
14. The Forum supported the development of cooperation with the PECC,
through a PECC Task Force, which will consider measures for developing business
opportunities in Forum Island countries and explore mechanisms for strengthening
PEOC activities in the region. It noted the importance for Forum/ PECC links of the
PECC meeting to be held in New Zealand in November, 1989.
POLITICAL, SECURITY ISSUES AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Decolonisatlon New Caledonia
The Forum reviewed recent developments affecting New Caledonia since
the last Forum. It expressed its deep sadness at the assassination of FLNKS leaders
Jean-Marie Tjibaou and Yeiwene Yeiwene, and urged all parties to promote
reconciliation and to refrain from acts of violence.
16. The Forum welcomed the positive measures being pursued by the French
Government, in cooperation with the people of New Caledonia, to promote political,
economic and social development in the Territory. The Forum expressed its
continuing support for the agreements concluded in Paris in June and August .1988
0as a framework for New Caledonia's peaceful progress to self-determination. It noted
the progress made by the Government of Prime Minister Rocard to implement the
agreements, including the recent elections leading to devolution of powers to
provincial assemblies and a territorial congress in the Territory. It urged all parties to
continue to work for the successful implementation of the agreements in a spirit of
constructive dialogue and reconciliation.
17. The Forum expressed the hope that consideration of New C aledonia by
the United Nations Committee on Decolonisation ( C24) and the United Nations
General Assembly would continue to be characterised by the consensus approach
adopted in 1988.
18. Forum Governments reiterated their willingness, collectively and
individually, to contribute to the process of reconciliation and to the training process
for New Caledonians in the lead up to the act of self-determination in 1998.
19. The Forum restated its strong support for an act of self-determination
consistent with the established decolonisation practices and principles of the United
Nations, in which all options, including independence, would be open, and which
would lead to a settlement that safeguards the rights of the indigenous Kanaks and
all New Caledonians in a multiracial society.
Climatic Changes and Sea Levels
The Forum expressed concern about the possible effects on island
countries of rising sea levels resulting from global warming, and emphasised the
importance of a regional approach to environmental matters. It agreed that Forum
members should take decisive action to draw world attention to the way the
environmental problem affected the South Pacific, and to represent regional views at
appropriate international gatherings, possibly including by way of a resolution in the
United Nations General Assembly. The Forum supported the candidature of New
Zealand to the Governing Council of the United Nations Environmental Programme
as one means of achieving this.
21. The Forum welcomed confirmation by the Prime Minister of Australia that
0 his Government would fund a core project over the next five years to establish a
network of monitoring stations in the region to research such areas as changes in
sea levels, atmospheric pressures, and rainfall patterns. The total cost, including the
design phase, will be A$ 6.25m, with implementation to begin early in 1990. The
Prime Minister emphasised that the results of this research would be available to all
Forum members and suggested that this be done in the context of a programme of
information exchange. He emphasised also Australia's commitment to a long-term
programme in this area.
South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty
22. The Forum noted with appreciation the ratification of the Treaty by
Solomon Islands, making that country the tenth Party to the Treaty, and the ratification
of Protocols 2 and 3 by the People's Republic of China. It called upon those nuclear
weapon states, which had not acceded to the Protocols, todo so as soon as possible.
It also authorised the Secretariat to engage in cooperation and information exchange
with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Nuclear Arms in Latin America ( OPANAL).
23. The Forum recorded its deep concern at continuing nuclear testing in the
region by France. A reduction in the number of tests was not what was sought. The
Forum again called upon France to cease immediately all nuclear testing in the
region.
( 4):-South Pacific Regional Environment Programme
24. The Forum reaffirmed its strong support for the SPREP Convention and
welcomed the active steps taken by several Forum countries to ratify this Convention.
It urged the rest of the Forum countries to make their best endeavours to ratify the
SPREP Convention and bring it into force at the earliest opportunity.
INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES
South Pacific Organisatlons Coordinating Committee ( SPOCC)
The Forum welcomed and recognised the importance of SPOOC in
0ensuring cooperation and coordination of activities among the various regional
institutions. The first meeting of SPOCC was held successfully in March 1989.
FORUM COUNTRY INITIATIVES
26. The Forum endorsed initiatives by the Prime Minister of Australia on action
to eliminate all forms of Chemical Weapons, the convening of a meeting of regional
officials to discuss greater law enforcement cooperation, and a joint United
Nations/ Australia sponsored Seminar on the Convention for the Elimination of All
Forms of Discrimination Against Women. It also endorsed the forthcoming Seminar in
Canberra on Security Issues in Oceania organised by the Australian National
University.
27. The Forum agreed that while there was a need for fair and accurate
reporting in regional media, there was clear support for the principle of freedom of the
press and that nothing should be done which could be interpreted as limiting that
freedom. The Forum authorised the Secretariat to investigate the possibility of funding
and convening a workshop for interested government and media representatives to
consider measures to encourage well-informed and balanced reporting by regional
media.
FORUM SECRETARIAT
28. The Forum commended the Secretary General and his staff on their
achievements since the last Forum. It emphasised the successful arrangements that
had been put in place for the first Dialogue meetings, the increased activity by the
Secretariat in projecting the region internationally, and the increased cooperation
which was evident with other organisations in the region.
FORUM FISHERIES AGENCY
29. The Forum congratulated the Director of the Forum Fisheries Agency on
the many valuable activities undertaken by his organisation for the benefit of the
region. It welcomed the concept of the forthcoming Conference to mark the tenth
anniversary of the Agency, at which its past programmes would be reviewed, and
plans would be discussed for its activities over the next decade. The Forum noted
with appreciation that Tonga had ratified the US Multilateral Fisheries Treaty, which
meant that all Pacific Island Countries were now parties to the Treaty and its benefits.
CCOP/ SOPAC The Forum noted with appreciation the various programme activities
that were being administered by the Coordinating Committee for Mineral Prospecting
in South Pacific Offshore Areas, CCOP/ SOPAC, to assist the Island member countries
in identifying, assessing and managing the mineral, energy and other non-living
marine resource potential of their respective exclusive economic zones. It also
acknowledged the generous contribution and assistance of donor countries and
agencies, both within and outside the South Pacific region, in supporting the work of
CCOP/ SOPAC. The Forum noted the need for appropriate legislation to protect the
region's marine and mining resources in accordance with the United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea.
UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC
31. The Forum expressed its satisfaction with the increasing contribution the
University of the South Pacific had been able to make to development and education
in the Island countries, and its hope that ways could be formed to increase its
resources accordingly. It noted also the telecommunications and postal difficulties
faced by the University in spreading educational services throughout the region.
PACIFIC ISLANDS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
32. The Forum thanked the Director of the Pacific Islands Development
Programme, who had been invited to adress the Forum following the establishment of
SPOCC, for his organisation's work in the region
OTHER BUSINESS Proposal by Nauru to be Accorded Small Island Country Status
33. The Forum accepted a proposal by Nauru to be accorded Small Island
Country status within the Forum.
21ST SOUTH PACIFIC FORUM
34. The Forum accepted with pleasure the invitation by the Prime Minister of
Vanuatu to' host the 21st South Pacific Forum. It noted the generous offer of
Federated States of Micronesia to host the 22nd South Pacific Forum in 1991.
Forum Secretariat, Tarawa
11 July 1989
I South Pacific Forum
Conference Centre Otintaai Hotel
Tarawa Kiribati
11 July, 1989.
TARAWA DECLARATION
The South Pacific Forum meeting at Tarawa on 10-1 .1 July 1989
recognisIng the crucial dependence of the Pacific Island peoples on marine
resources; profoundly concerned at the damage now being done by pelagic drift net
fishing to the economy and environment of the South Pacific region;
convinced that this indiscriminate, irresponsible and destructive fishing
technique threatens the survival of the albacore tuna resource, and so the
economic well-being of Forum Island Countries;
deeply regretting that Japan and Taiwan have failed to respond to the concerns
of regional countries about this most serious issue;
noting that it is in the mutual interest of the major fishing nations active in the
region, and the Forum, to conserve fisheries stocks;
noting that all countries inside and outside the region are affected by the
mismanagement of the resources of the world's oceans, by the environmental
dangers of drift net fishing and by the threat to safe navigation;
recalling the relevant provisions of the 1 982 United Nations Convention on the
Law of the Sea, and in particular Articles 63, 64, 87, 116, 117, 118 and 119;
recognising that the use of drift nets as presently employed in the Southern
Pacific Albacore Tuna Fishery is not consistent with international legal
requirements in relation to rights and obligations of high seas fisheries
conservation and management and environmental principles;
resolves for the sake of this and succeeding generations of Pacific peoples to
seek the establishment of a regime for the management of albacore tuna in the
South Pacific that would ban drift net fishing from the region; such a ban might
then be a first step to a comprehensive ban on such fishing;
determines, to this end, to convene an urgent meeting of regional diplomatic,
legal and fisheries experts to develop a Convention to give effect to its common
resolve to create a zone free of drift net fishing;
calls on the international community to support, and c6operate in, the urgent
conclusion of a Convention establishing the zone;
resolves that individual member states of the South Pacific Forum will take all
possible measures in the interim to prevent drift net fishing within their waters,
and otherwise actively to discourage the operations of drift net fishers;
further resolves that member states acting individually and collectively will
take what action they can within relevant international organisations to contribute
to the cessation of this harmful form of fishing;
commends the Republic of Korea for its decision to cease drift net fishing in the
region; calls on Japan and Taiwan to follow this examp le, and abandon immediately
their damaging drift net operations.
SIGNED AT TARAWA, KIRIBATI
Hon Bob Hawke, AC MP
Prime Minister of Australia
H E John R HaglI am
President of the Federated States of
Micronesia ON THE ELEVENTH DAY OF JULY, 1989
on Geoffrey A Henry, MP
Prime Minister of the ok Islands
orros ata KamikamicaT, MG
Minister for Finance of Fiji
Hon Akoka Doi, CMG H Mrffa a
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for esident of the Republic of the Marshall
Publ rvices of Papua New Guinea Islands
Hon i n philip, MP HRH Crown Prince Tupouto'a
Deput rime Minister of Solomon Minister for Foreign Affairs and
Islars Defence of Tonga
Rt Hon Dr To asi Puapua, MP Hon Fr Waltet Hady Lni, CBE, MP
Prime Minist r of Tuvalu Prime Minister of Vanuatu
16n Leiataua Vaiao
Minister for Justice and Associate
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Western Samoa
3f1