Fiji will have elections by September 2014-Fiji govt

"Fiji will have elections by September 2014 and we have not detracted from this position and there is no evidence to say otherwise."

That is the stand of the Fiji Government in light of the recent revelations that fugitive and former 3FIR commanding officer, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara has been given visas to travel to Australia and now to New Zealand.

In a statement, the Fiji Government said that the arrival of Fijian fugitive Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara into Australia shows concerted effort by the Australian Government to undermine the path towards holding a truly democratic election in Fiji.

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Information, Sharon Smith - Johns said that the issuing of the travel visas by the two countries and the delay by Tonga in addressing the extradition papers shows a collusion between the three countries.

According to a Government statement, the focus of Fiji to grow the economy; modernise our laws, provide protection and benefits through law and targeted policies to women, children and the disadvantaged Fijians and to put in place an electoral system that treats all Fijians alike and gives one person one vote.

Smith-Johns said that the Foreign Ministers of Australia and New Zealand - Kevin Rudd and Muarry McCully along with Mara are three men with their crew of opportunists attempting to salvage their personal reputations which are at stake of their own doing.

Permanent Secretary for Information, Sharon Smith-Johns said the actions taken where after the recent fleeing from Fiji of Mara as a fugitive without a Fijian passport, the subsequent issue of Tongan passport to him and the willingness of the Australian Government and now we understand the New Zealand to grant a visa; and the Tongan Government's inaction on extradition papers, all shows collusion and a disregard of legal extradition processes.

It is understood that Mara has flown into Sydney and is expected to address a gathering in Canberra today and also expected to meet with representatives of the Australian Federal Government.

The Fiji Government said that it is apparent that Mara, a fugitive, has taken advantage of Rudd and McCully's lack of foresight on Fiji.

Story by: Paradise Tudrau