Pacific Forum warns Fiji of suspension
source: http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/stories/200808/s2342220.htm?tab=latest
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Pacific leaders have warned Fiji it faces the possibility of suspension from the Pacific Islands Forum if it continues to show disregard for democracy.
Kerri Ritchie reports from the Forum meeting in Niue that the 15 Pacific leaders gathered at the summit have released their communique regarding Fiji.
The communique says that suspending Fiji from the forum is being considered.
The leaders may meet again in Papua New Guinea in December depending on the the progress made, monitored by the Forum's Ministerial Contact Group.
The statement also condemned recent statements by the Fiji interim government, saying they were inconsistent with a promise to hold democratic elections.
New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark says Fiji's interim Prime Minister, Frank Baimimarama, had no support in the room.
"He got it wrong and I think he's completely under estimated how very let down key Forum leaders who did their best to engage with him are feeling," Ms Clark said.
The Australian government is very happy with the outcome.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is believed to have played a principle role in delivering the outcome.
Commodore Bainimarama boycotted this week's leaders meeting.
He has refused to uphold a promise previously made to the Forum to hold democratic elections in Fiji in March next year.
Commodore Bainimarama took power in a bloodless coup in December 2006, and says electoral reform is needed before elections can be held.
The Forum statement also says leaders acknowledge the need to address long-term issues in Fiji, including national reconciliation, through 'inclusive political dialogue.'
Kerri Ritchie reports from the Forum meeting in Niue that the 15 Pacific leaders gathered at the summit have released their communique regarding Fiji.
The communique says that suspending Fiji from the forum is being considered.
The leaders may meet again in Papua New Guinea in December depending on the the progress made, monitored by the Forum's Ministerial Contact Group.
The statement also condemned recent statements by the Fiji interim government, saying they were inconsistent with a promise to hold democratic elections.
New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark says Fiji's interim Prime Minister, Frank Baimimarama, had no support in the room.
"He got it wrong and I think he's completely under estimated how very let down key Forum leaders who did their best to engage with him are feeling," Ms Clark said.
The Australian government is very happy with the outcome.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is believed to have played a principle role in delivering the outcome.
Commodore Bainimarama boycotted this week's leaders meeting.
He has refused to uphold a promise previously made to the Forum to hold democratic elections in Fiji in March next year.
Commodore Bainimarama took power in a bloodless coup in December 2006, and says electoral reform is needed before elections can be held.
The Forum statement also says leaders acknowledge the need to address long-term issues in Fiji, including national reconciliation, through 'inclusive political dialogue.'
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- tags:
- Fiji, pacific islands, Niue, Pacific Islands Forum
