The European Union Delegation to the Pacific has acknowledged last Friday’s Appellate Court judgement and congratulated Fiame Naomi Mata’afa on her affirmation as Samoa’s new Prime Minister.

The Fiji-based E.U. Ambassador to the Pacific Islands, Sujiro Seam, said in a video message published over the weekend that he has congratulated the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) party leader and they’ve kicked off the process to finalise the official position of the EU on Samoa's new Government.

“In Samoa, I acknowledge the judgment of the Court of Appeal recognising the F.A.S.T. Government as the lawful Government of the country,” he said.

“I congratulated the new Prime Minister of Samoa on a personal basis, the Honourable Fiame Naomi Mataafa, and I started the coronation procedure to finalise the official position of the European Union on this matter.”

Last month the E.U. reaffirmed its “longstanding partnership” with Samoa and called on all parties involved to find a solution that reflects “the democratic choice of the people of Samoa.”

The E.U. further called on Samoa to respect the principles of democracy, the separation of powers, and the rule of law. 

Mr Seam said the E.U. was closely monitoring the evolution of the situation in Samoa following the 9 April 2021 general elections.

“We call on all parties involved to agree through dialogue on a solution reflecting the democratic choice of the people of Samoa and respecting the principles of democracy, the separation of powers, and the rule of law. 

“The European Union remains a trusted and longstanding partner of Samoa.”

Early this month the E.U. urged Samoa to convene Parliament.

Mr. Seam is a career diplomat with France's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and until his appointment as the Head of the E.U. Pacific Delegation based in Suva was France's Ambassador to Fiji. 

He visited Samoa in December of 2019 and presented his credentials to Samoa’s Head of State, His Royal Highness Tuimaleali’ifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II.