Despite the strained relations between Fiji and our neighbours Australia, there are indications that the Australian government is recognizing efforts by the interim government to move towards holdings elections in the country.

In a statement, Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said the Australian government has now agreed to allow Fiji to increase its diplomatic presence in Australia through the appointment of an Acting Fiji High Commissioner in Canberra and the appointment of a Fiji Consul General in Sydney.

Smith said the appointment is designed to improve diplomatic communication between Australia and Fiji and follows on from the recall by the interim government in Fiji of its previous High Commissioner in July 2007.

He said the fact Fiji has appointed a Supervisor of Elections is enough reason to allow the interim government to fill key positions in Australia however he stressed that Australia remains very concerned about the situation in Fiji and recent statements by Commodore Frank Bainimarama that elections will not take place until the electoral reforms and the People’s Charter are put in place.

Smith also said Australia recognizes that, in addition to an election, a political dialogue, without any preconditions, is vital to address Fiji's long term issues and encouraged lasting national reconciliation and stability.

However, he stressed that an election cannot be conditional upon progress on a political dialogue or other processes, as holding elections by March 2009 was Commodore Bainimarama's faithful and unconditional commitment to the Pacific leaders last year.

This comes only days after Interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama had stressed that it was unfair that Australia and New Zealand had not accepted Fiji diplomats in their country while they continue to pressure the interim government to hold elections as soon as possible.