The European Union delegation currently on a mission to Fiji has stressed that their consultations will play a vital role in future decisions made by the European Union Council on Fiji.
The head of the TROIKA group, Rodger Moore confirmed to Fijivillage that their report will have a big impact both for Fiji and the EU in terms of the steps the EU council would take in restoring full relations with Fiji and reviving various funding programs.
The delegation met with interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama, interim Foreign Affairs Minister Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and interim Finance Minister and Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry and FLP President Jokapeci Koroi yesterday and Moore said the meetings have been very optimistic.
Meanwhile, Commodore Bainimarama stressed to the EU Delegation the necessity to reform the electoral systems and how this could delay their plans to hold elections by March next year.
Bainimarama informed the mission of the gradual progress on Fiji's return to democracy and the factors that could delay the elections saying that one source of delay likely is that all key stakeholders do not come on board to participate in the proposed forum dialogue process to be facilitated by the UN and Commonwealth to discuss electoral reforms.
Bainimarama told the EU delegation that it is unclear how long the Forum process will take, when it gets underway to arrive at a broad census on the changes to the electoral system.
The TROIKA mission is expected to meet other political party leaders, including ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase later today.
Interim PM Tells Troika of Possible Election Delays 18/06/08
The delegation known as TROIKA, met with Commodore Frank Bainimarama this morning on the Interim Government's commitment to holding democratic elections in March 2009, in line with Fiji's commitments to the EU which was agreed upon in April 2007.
Bainimarama also informed the mission of the gradual progress on Fiji's return to democracy and the factors that could delay the elections.
He highlighted that one source of delay which is that all key stakeholders do not come on board to participate in the proposed forum Dialogue process to be facilitated by the UN and Commonwealth to discuss electoral reforms.
Bainimarama told the EU delegation that it is unclear how long the forum process will take, when it gets underway to arrive at a broad census on the changes to the electoral system.
The Interim Prime Minister stressed that the Interim Government's fulfillments to these commitments can only be realized with constructive dialogue and engagement from all interested parties in Fiji, the international community, our bilateral and multi lateral partners and the forum.
Bainimarama also informed the TROIKA mission on the work of the National Council for Building a better Fiji and the progress in formulating the People's Charter.
The delegation also met with interim Foreign Affairs Minister Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and interim Finance Minister and Fiji Labor Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry and FLP President Jokapeci Koroi earlier this afternoon.
This afternoon the group will hold discussions with the NCBBF Secretariat and is expected to meet other political party leaders, including ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase tomorrow afternoon.
EU Delegation To Meet Interim PM 17/06/08
The European Union Delegation, which arrived in the country last night met with the interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama this morning on Fiji's commitments to the EU on holding general elections.
The delegation known as TROIKA, is composed of representatives of the EU, who are on a three day visit to examine the situation in the country and will focus on the progress achieved against the interim government's commitments agreed upon in April 2007.
Speaking to Fijivillage, EU local presidency in Fiji Jean Francois Bauffendaue said the delegation intends to speak to a wide cross section of the community, including leaders of the political parties, to get their view on how things are moving along in Fiji.
The EU delegation has refused any media comments at this stage and the release of a statement at the end of their three day mission is expected.
The delegation is currently meeting with interim Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, after meeting with the interim Foreign Affairs Minister Ratu Epeli Nailatikau this morning and they will also hold consultations today with the interim Minister for Defense and Immigration Ratu Epeli Ganilau, the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre Coordinator Shamima Ali and the last meeting will be with the NCBBF Secretariat this afternoon.
The Mission is in the country as part of consultations under the Cotonou Agreement.
