Deep and serious concerns about Fiji, say Pacific leaders

[posted 7 Aug 2010,1330]

Pacific Island Leaders have reiterated their call for Fiji to engage in genuine, inclusive dialogue between political parties, without pre-conditions or pre-determined outcomes.

In a communiqué issued following the 41st Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Vanuatu 4-5 August, the Leaders expressed their “continuing deep concern at the serious political and economic challenges facing Fiji”.

They “noted the report of the Chair of the Ministerial Contact Group on Fiji and commended the continuing efforts to encourage and support Fiji’s early return to parliamentary democracy in accordance with the Leaders’ mandates, and the Biketawa Declaration, cognisant of the Leaders’ decisions at Port Moresby and Cairns in 2009”.

Forum Leaders noted the clear commitment from all Forum members to continue to offer Fiji their assistance in addressing the challenges faced by Fiji, and to encourage full restoration of parliamentary democracy.

They reaffirmed the need for continuing strong solidarity for the region’s position on Fiji from the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the EU and across the international community.

On Fiji’s participation in the PACER Plus process, the summit agreed to refer the matter to the Ministerial Contact Group (MCG) for further consideration. They have asked Vanuatu as chair of MCG at look at possible modalities for engaging Fiji in PACER Plus and to circulate its findings to Leaders for their consideration before the next Forum.

Meanwhile, the Commonwealth Secretary General, Kamalesh Sharma, told the Forum Fiji had been a major Commonwealth preoccupation since the military overthrow almost four years ago.

“We continue to be deeply concerned about developments there, and engaged in seeking ways forward in line with our values and with our partners. We are committed to working closely with the Forum to assist the speedy return of Fiji to constitutional rule, democracy and the rule of law, and to resuming its membership,” he said.