UN Out To Restore Democracy In Fiji

The United Nation Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has agreed to work with the Commonwealth to help Fiji's Interim Government and other major political parties in the Pacific to work out terms and date of Parliamentary elections that is needed to restore democracy in the country.

The UN News Service reports that Ban Ki Moon made his decision after the UN Department of Political Affairs led an exploratory mission to Fiji last month and found that many political parties were willing to engage in the political dialogue as soon as possible.

A statement issued by the Secretary General said that the UN plans to move quickly to install the necessary mechanisms for a dialogue that is inclusive, independent, time-bound and without prejudice as to its outcome.

Meanwhile, the European Union presidency has expressed deep regrets over the decision by the Interim Government to expel New Zealand's Acting High Commissioner, Caroline MacDonald saying it is a backward step in Fiji's relationship with a key Pacific Island Forum partner.