OUTCOMES, 22nd Meeting, Forum-Fiji Joint Working Group
PRESS STATEMENT 01/08
Pacific Islands Forum-Fiji Joint Working Group on the Situation in Fiji 7 February 2008 OUTCOMES The Working Group held its twenty-second meeting at the Forum Secretariat Headquarters in Suva on 7 February 2008, attended by senior officials from Australia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands and Tuvalu. The Working Group welcomed the appointment on 11 January of Mr Suresh Chandra as Chair of the Constituency Boundaries Commission. It noted the importance of the Constituency Boundaries Commission beginning its work as soon as possible in order to meet the Government of Fiji’s undertaking to the Forum Leaders that a parliamentary election will be held in the first quarter of 2009. The Working Group received a report on preparations for and progress toward holding the election from Mr Soro Toutou, Deputy Supervisor of Elections. It welcomed assurances by the Deputy Supervisor of Elections that an election by March 2009 was achievable. It also noted the importance of the Supervisor of Elections being appointed soon. The Working Group was advised that the two appointments to the Constitutional Offices Commission were expected within a couple of days. The Working Group received a report from the Chair of the Elections Donor Coordination Committee on outcomes of the Committee’s meetings to date. The Working Group discussed the standing issues (the restoration of civilian rule, upholding the 1997 Constitution, the cessation of human rights abuses and addressing allegations of abuse, and support for a credible and independent anti-corruption commission). The Working Group will hold its next meeting on 21 February 2008. (Ends) |
2008