Forum Ministerial Contact Group visit to Fiji concludes
PRESS STATEMENT 62/08
16th July 2008
FORUM MINISTERIAL CONTACT GROUP VISIT TO FIJI
The Pacific Islands Forum Ministerial Contact Group concluded its visit to Fiji today, saying its discussions with the lnterim Government had been frank and informative.
Ministers said the visit reflected Forum members' continued commitment to constructive dialogue with Fiji, and to support and encourage Fiji to return to democracy by holding elections in the first quarter of 2009.
While in Fiji the Ministerial Contact Group held discussions with lnterim Prime Minister Bainimarama, other lnterim Ministers from the lnterim Government of Fiji, and relevant officials including the Electoral Commission, Office of the Supervisor of Elections, and the National Council for Building a Better Fiji. Ministers also held discussions with political leaders including the deposed Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, and (by teleconference) with Commonwealth Special Envoy Sir Paul Reeves.
The Ministers' talks focused on the willingness and preparedness of the lnterim Government to meet its undertakings to hold elections by March 2009. In addition, the discussions allowed Ministers to be updated on the political dialogue initiatives now under discussion in Fiji.
Ministers thanked the lnterim Government of Fiji for its facilitation of the visit, and expressed the hope that their talks had contributed to greater understanding between Fiji and its regional neighbours.
The Ministerial Contact Group will provide a report to the Forum Leaders in preparation for their 39th annual meeting, which is to be held in Niue in August.
The Group comprises the Prime Minister of Samoa and Ministers from Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga (Chair) and Tuvalu.
(Ends)
For more information, please contact Ms Andie Fong Toy, Director Political and Security Programme, Forum Secretariat, Ph 679 331 2600 or email
16th July 2008
FORUM MINISTERIAL CONTACT GROUP VISIT TO FIJI
The Pacific Islands Forum Ministerial Contact Group concluded its visit to Fiji today, saying its discussions with the lnterim Government had been frank and informative.
Ministers said the visit reflected Forum members' continued commitment to constructive dialogue with Fiji, and to support and encourage Fiji to return to democracy by holding elections in the first quarter of 2009.
While in Fiji the Ministerial Contact Group held discussions with lnterim Prime Minister Bainimarama, other lnterim Ministers from the lnterim Government of Fiji, and relevant officials including the Electoral Commission, Office of the Supervisor of Elections, and the National Council for Building a Better Fiji. Ministers also held discussions with political leaders including the deposed Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, and (by teleconference) with Commonwealth Special Envoy Sir Paul Reeves.
The Ministers' talks focused on the willingness and preparedness of the lnterim Government to meet its undertakings to hold elections by March 2009. In addition, the discussions allowed Ministers to be updated on the political dialogue initiatives now under discussion in Fiji.
Ministers thanked the lnterim Government of Fiji for its facilitation of the visit, and expressed the hope that their talks had contributed to greater understanding between Fiji and its regional neighbours.
The Ministerial Contact Group will provide a report to the Forum Leaders in preparation for their 39th annual meeting, which is to be held in Niue in August.
The Group comprises the Prime Minister of Samoa and Ministers from Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga (Chair) and Tuvalu.
(Ends)
For more information, please contact Ms Andie Fong Toy, Director Political and Security Programme, Forum Secretariat, Ph 679 331 2600 or email
