Signs of softening stance at forum

Pacific leaders are still talking tough on Fiji, but there are signs their stance is softening following discussions at the Pacific Islands Forum.

Leaders from the forum’s 15 member countries - including Prime Minister John Key and Australia’s Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Affairs Richard Marles - wrapped up talks at a retreat in Aitutaki in the Cook Islands, with Fiji’s outsider status and its progress in recent trilateral talks a main discussion point.

In a communique issued, the leaders noted progress in Fiji to register voters and establish a constitutional commission, along with its assurances there will be freedom of speech and of the media when it holds promised elections in 2014.

Forum chairman and Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna said Pacific countries are taking their lead on Fiji from Australia and New Zealand, which have refused to relax their hard-line stance on Fiji remaining outside the fold until it returns to democracy.


Story by: Filipe Naikaso
Source: Sydney Morning Herald