Forum Ministerial Contact Group arrives after 3 years

After three years the Pacific Islands Forum Ministerial Contact Group arrives in the country today however group member and Australia's Foreign Minister Bob Carr said removing sanctions against Fiji is a long way off.

Carr and his NZ counterpart, Murray McCully arrive in the country this afternoon.

The Australian reports that Senator Carr said reducing sanctions that apply to members of the government, would be several steps into the future and that they will need to see a robust democracy functioning in Fiji.

Acting Prime Minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum hopes the Group will come today with an intention to support Fiji to hold truly democratic elections in September 2014.

The Forum Secretariat which is organizing the meetings has not said anything on the visit.

Sayed-Khaiyum is expected to meet them the group tomorrow.

Carr confirms that they will also be meeting politicians, trade union officials and civil society groups tomorrow.  

Story by: Vijay Narayan and Sofaia Koroitanoa