Fiji's interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama had made it clear to the Forum Ministerial Contact Group that he will not have elections in Fiji by March 2009.
Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said Bainimarama remains adamant that electoral reforms need to take place first before the next election is held.
It has been made clear now that our political leaders need to look for a solution for Fiji through the assistance of the Pacific Islands Forum, the UN and the Commonwealth.
Stephen Smith said political dialogue needs to occur in Fiji now to move towards democracy and our country's destiny is now with our political leadership to agree to certain outcomes before elections are held.
Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Samuel Abal also said it is all good to pressure for elections in Fiji but only through dialogue positive changes can take place.
Meanwhile Stephen Smith said life in Fiji continues to get worse as the country's military ruler puts off democratic elections. Smith told Radio Australia that the international community cannot sit idly by without seeing progress. They will submit their report to the Forum in PNG next month.
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Fiji’s Destiny With Its Political Leadership
