Interim Govt Warned Of Consequences If No Elections in 2009

Fiji's Interim Government has been warned to expect consequences if elections are not held early in 2009.

Radio Australia reports that the Australian Foreign Minister, Stephen Smith made the comments ahead of more talks on the issue beginning in Suva later today.

Smith said the Pacific Islands Forum contact group meeting will start from the position that Fiji must meet its commitment to hold elections by the end of March 2009.

If Fiji fails to do so, Smith said there will be consequences.

The Australian Foreign Minister said you cannot break a faithful unconditional commitment and not expect that there won't be consequences from the neighbours in the region.

Smith would not specify the possible consequences and he refused to speculate on whether it’s now too late to realistically expect the poll to be on time.

The Ministerial Contact Group comprising of the Foreign Ministers of Australia, NZ, PNG, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu arrive this afternoon and are expected to have meetings with the Interim Prime Minister, Commodore Bainimarama and Former Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase and other stakeholders from tomorrow.