Peacekeeping Mission Still Intact

Fiji's peacekeeping mission under the United Nations umbrella is still intact.

Deputy Secretary of Information, Major Neumi Leweni said the United Nations is still committed in engaging Fijian soldiers for peacekeeping duties overseas and the decision of the Pacific Island leaders Forum will not affect the relationship between Fiji and UN.

Leweni said the media is trying to create the picture that whatever the outcome of the Forum and penalty imposed on Fiji, this must be followed by other organizations and institutions like the UN, which is not the case.

He said the Pakistan army is one of the largest contributors to the UN even though their political status is questionable during the last years of President Pervez Mushraff's military rule.

Fijian soldiers are currently engaging in peacekeeping operations under the UN banner in Iraq and Sinai.

Meanwhile, the UN and Commonwealth joint technical team are conducting follow up tours to Fiji starting today headed by Mari Yamashita after they arrived in the country yesterday.