Govt to discuss trade/aid sanctions

The government is expected to discuss the European Union's decision to extend existing trade and aid sanctions against Fiji with delegates of the EU executive body who arrive in the country later today for a regional meeting.

The European Commission in Suva had confirmed that the regional meeting will be attended by representatives of the EU from Brussels and during the course of the meeting, talks will be held with individual Pacific ACP states.

It is expected that the government will seek to engage with the EU delegation on its offer of possible new negotiations regarding about $85 million in development aid as well as $300 million in commitment of EU funds to restructure Fiji's sugar industry, which are on hold.

In a statement last week, the European Union stressed that Fiji now has a window of opportunity for a possible new political dialogue after it EU extended its trade and aid sanctions against Fiji until the end of March 2010.

The EU stated that if new consultations result in substantial commitments from Fiji, the EU is committed to an early, positive review of these appropriate measures.

The meeting will be held in Nadi tomorrow and Friday.