By Staff Writer
The United Nations Resident Co-ordinator, Ms. Simona Marinescu, is being dragged into Samoa’s unsettling politics over claims by the FAST Government of intruding into local politics.
The Minister of Agriculture, La’auli Leutea Schmidt, was the first to complain about the Samoa based co-ordinator who leads a country team of 12 UN agencies.
The Minister referred to the UN representative talking about abortion, same sex marriage and euthanasia as human rights issues that are sensitive for Samoa.
The Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, in her media conference at the end of last week, went over the same points to clarify the issues her Cabinet minister raised and the fundamental rights by an individual.
With foreign affairs under her portfolio, the PM had a greater appreciation of the UN role in upholding these sensitive rights that other organisation members support unlike Samoa.
“But we have our own laws to govern on these universal issues like same sex marriage and abortion, so Samoa is aware of the UN position in relations to the rest of the world,” PM noted with a clearer and better understanding .
Fiame, however, defended the right by her MAF Minister to speak as he did on the UN human rights position but not as a Cabinet Minister but as Chairman of the FAST party.
The specific separation of roles made by the Government leader may have to do with early criticisms by the former PM and HRPP leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, about La’auli speaking out on foreign affairs issues that should be the responsibility of Fiame.
“La’auli should stick to farming and fishing and leave foreign affairs matters to Fiame,” Tuilaepa admonished in a press statement.
“Samoa is a long time member of the United Nations Organization and we have a good record in the area of human rights,” said Tuilaepa.
He said Samoa has ratified many UN human rights resolutions but past governments have not always agreed on some issues.
“There are issues, especially on matters that go against our Christian values, that we always stand up against and most members of the UN accept the varying religious and cultural beliefs”.
He reaffirmed that HRPP will not legalize abortion and same sex marriage.
PM Fiame also stood firmly behind claims by the party Chairman and Cabinet member that the UN Resident Co-ordinator did interfere with local politics.
The PM pointed to Marinescu’s personal involvement outside of her official role as UN personnel in support of the 6th woman in Parliament.
Fiame added there were other issues of local politics the UN co-ordinator was also involved in.
The PM’s strong defence of La’auli came after the HRPP leader’s slamming of a personal attack by the MAF Minister against the UN resident as uncalled for and shortsighted.
“La’auli owes Ms. Marinescu an apology,” he said
“He criticises her for no apparent reason except his false and unfounded belief that she was behind the push for an additional seat for women in Parliament,” said Tuilaepa.
Tuilaepa said the Human Rights Protection Party initiated the law to ensure women are equally represented in Parliament and La’auli does Ms. Marinescu a disservice accusing her of siding with the HRPP.
He added that La’auli has a short memory with regard support by Ms. Marinescu for HRPP.
“He seems to have forgotten her support for Fiame to be the country’s first female Prime Minister,” he said.
“She also supported the view of the Electoral Commissioner which was found to be legal by the Court”.
Tuilaepa said she did that because of the UN stance on gender equality which was also why she supported the March for Women.
Tuilaepa added this high minded attitude by La’auli against our development partners will undo the many good deeds nurtured over many years.
“FAST needs to keep La’auli on a tight leash or he will stunt the growth of everything he comes in contact with”.
The UN Resident Co-ordinator is yet to react publicly to the claims made against her by the leaders of the FAST Government.