Fiji's Non-attendance Means 'Way Forward' Decision Difficult

During the Forum Leaders' Retreat at the Matavai Resort, Alofi, Niue, a number of important issues were raised before the Leaders for their deliberation and decision.

These include the Situation in Fiji; Climate Change, and the appointment of a new Secretary General of the Forum Secretariat to replace the late Greg Urwin.

The non-attendance of the interim Prime Minister of Fiji makes it quite difficult for Forum Leaders to decide on the way forward for Fiji. In last year's Forum meeting in Tonga, Prime Minister Bainimarama has indicated that Fiji will have democratic elections during the first quarter of 2009 and Forum Leaders welcomed this commitment.

However, he has since indicated that this will no longer be possible. Forum Leaders are disappointed that Mr. Bainimarama is not in Niue to explain the situation in Fiji. The credibility of the Forum will be at stake if Leaders decide to be soft with Mr. Bainimarama.


PRESS RELEASE (SOLOMON ISLANDS DELEGATION)