Forum watching Nauru’s crisis

YAREN – The Pacific Islands Forum’s Secretariat says it is ready to assist Nauru if the government seeks help amid an ongoing political crisis there, Radio New Zealand has reported.

However, the Forum Secretariat says the issues are primarily for Nauru to settle and resolve.

It says it is in contact with the Nauru government and is ready to help if asked.

Protests this week have seen MPs and others arrested, the government calling out riot police and seeking help from the security teams at the Australian-run detention camps, Radio New Zealand has reported.

Protestors have also threatened to shut access to the island’s main hotel used by the hundreds of Australians staffing the camps.

Palau president Tommy Remengesau Jr, chair of Pacific Islands Forum, has entered the fray on Nauru with an official statement from the PIF.

“In all of this, safety of life and property is our biggest priority for our brothers and sisters in Nauru.

“I mostly hope for non-violent and peaceful demonstrations for the people of Nauru,” Remengesau’s statement read.

“The situation calls for Nauru’s Constitution, the rule of law, and the people’s fundamental rights to apply.

“Patience is critical at this point for due process to take its course and Nauru to come to a peaceful resolution to this matter.”

The Australian government, which has poured millions of dollars into Nauru as part of its policy to process asylum seekers abroad, has not commented on the crisis.

New Zealand is also providing aid to the Nauru government, particularly to the law and justice sector, but the Foreign Minister Murray McCully has not had any comment on the latest developments.