Thumbs Up For ‘Zone Of Peace’
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s concept of the Pacific as the ‘Zone of Peace’ was welcomed by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders yesterday.
This followed a short Leaders Retreat onboard the Vaka at Aitutaki in the Cook Islands on Thursday (Cook Islands time).
In highlighting the key outcomes of the leaders’ discussions, PIF chairman and Cook Islands Prime Minister, Mark Brown said there would be a form of declaration by the leaders to endorse the notion.
“Hoping that this form of declaration, announcement, would cause the rippling out of the peaceful intentions that we are going to work on, in developing concept for consideration at the next leaders’ meeting,” Mr Brown said.
Mr Rabuka said he envisaged a foundation built on refraining from actions that may jeopardise regional order and stability and maintaining respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“There would obviously be continued emphasis on the Pacific way of dialogue, diplomacy and consensus,” he said.
Adding that “protection and conservation of the environment would be central – a positive element for more harmony and peace”.
Mr Rabuka said the Ocean of Peace was not merely a visionary concept, but a tangible path toward a prosperous region.
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