Progress to Elections to Come Under Spotlight

The political situation in Fiji and the steps being taken by the interim government to hold general elections will come under the spotlight this week at the Forum Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting in Auckland.

In a statement this afternoon, New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister, Winston Peters said Forum leaders agreed in Nuku’alofa last October that they should meet early in 2008 to review the progress Fiji's interim government is making towards holding general elections in March 2009.

Peters said the members of the Pacific Islands Forum share a common commitment to helping Fiji return to constitutional government as soon as possible.

Peters adds that they will continue to encourage Fiji to build on its preparations for elections and they all stand ready to assist and encourage this process.

According to Peters, the international community has been guided by the Forum's leadership with respect to Fiji and he looks forward to another united stand from the region on this issue.

Peters said in order to enable all Forum members to participate in this important meeting, the delegation from Fiji has been granted an exemption from the travel ban the New Zealand government has in place covering members of Fiji's interim government.

Meanwhile, Interim Foreign Affairs Minister Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said earlier 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 leaves for Auckland tomorrow.