Foreign Minister to Discuss Events in Fiji

NZ Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters had revealed that the Pacific Forum Foreign Ministers will discuss the recent events in Fiji in their meeting in Auckland tomorrow, including the deportation of Russel Hunter and the release of a report on media freedom.

Peters said they also want to reflect on the warnings to the public about speaking out against the interim government's policies.

He said the media report commissioned by the Fiji Human Rights Commission recommended actions "At odds with human rights principles".

Peters said the report recommends dismantling the Media Council, licensing the media and establishing a media tribunal funded by a 7 percent tax on advertising.

New Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said this is clearly seen as the intimidation of the media.

The NZ Herald reports that Smith arrives in Auckland today for his first talks with Peters before their Pacific Foreign Ministers meeting tomorrow to pressure Fiji to return to democracy.

Peters expects Fiji to be a main topic of the talks today. He had called on Fiji to accelerate its election planning and is raising concerns at recent events concerning press freedom.

Meanwhile, Interim Foreign Affairs Minister Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said those attending the meeting would be well briefed on Fiji and the Fiji delegation is prepared to expect criticism or encouragement at the meeting.

The delegation made up of Nailatikau, Permanent Secretary at the PM's Office, Parmesh Chand, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ross Ligairi and Permanent Secretary at the AG's office Pio Tikoduadua leave for Auckland today.