Pacific countries will feel an economic impact due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - Professor Tarte

University of the South Pacific’s Acting Head of the School for Law and Social Sciences, Professor Sandra Tarte says the invasion of Ukraine is likely to have a significant impact on the Pacific.

Tarte says although geographically removed from the conflict, Pacific nations should be concerned about the negative effect this war will have on multilateralism.

She told Radio NZ multilateralism is on its knees and is in tatters.

Tarte says smaller island countries really need multilateralism to protect themselves.

She says Pacific nations don't have power as such in the entire system and only rely on multilateralism and institutions like the United Nations and the rule of law.

Tarte also says Pacific countries will feel an economic impact.

She says we will see markets react, confidence plummet and there might be supply chain issues with the oil markets.

Meanwhile, the European Union’s Ambassador to the Pacific, Sujiro Seam has joined world leaders in condemning the unjustified military actions of Russia saying this is a gross violation of international law.

Seam is hoping Fiji, which had championed multilateralism in the United Nations, would support sanctions against Russia.

Fiji's Acting Prime Minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says Fijians are praying for the people of Ukraine.

He is calling for an end to all the hostilities and any violations of the international rule of law.

Sayed-Khaiyum urged the warring parties to return to the diplomatic table, echoing the call for peace from UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

[Source: Radio NZ]