CMAG To Discuss Fiji’s Situation

The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group meets in New York later this month to review developments in Fiji and consider further steps to encourage a return to democratic civilian rule.

In a statement, the Commonwealth Secretariat said the Action Group which deals with serious or persistent violations of the Commonwealth's fundamental political values, sits on September 27th and the only country on the agenda is Fiji.

The Secretariat said CMAG is the fundamental guardian of the Commonwealth's fundamental values and addresses and takes action in response to breaches.

ABC Radio reported that New Zealand Trade Minister Phil Goff will take on Winston Peter's job when the Action Group meets in New York.

Goff said he would continue to push New Zealand's position that elections should be held in March 2009 in Fiji and will be looking for both the Commonwealth and the United Nations to give their backing to the Pacific Islands Forum Position.

Meanwhile, the Commonwealth Secretariat had earlier agreed to facilitate the Presidential Forum proposed by the interim government where constitutional and electoral changes are to be discussed before a timeframe is set to hold elections in Fiji.