As far as the European Commission is concerned aid will not be affected if Fiji is suspended from the Pacific Island Leaders Forum.
These are the words of Director General of the European Commission, Roger Moore who said under the Cotonou Agreement, they have made a commitment to Fiji and they will stick to it.
“That would not as far as I can see it have a direct effect on our relations with Fiji. Our relations with Fiji are governed by the Cotonou Agreement and the Cotonou Agreement spells out how we managed our relations with Fiji. And that is the path with which we will be following.”
Meanwhile, the Papua New Guinea Prime Minister said everyone is disappointed at Fiji's absence however he hopes Fiji will eventually tell the Forum what's happening in the country.
Sir Michael Somare said they understand what Fiji is going through and the Forum will be there to help Fiji.
“The Forum leaders were really disappointed. They are very disappointed that he didn’t come and present his case to us because he made a commitment in Vavau to us and we all supported him. We understand the problems he is going through and I think it is always good for us to help in the situation that he is facing at the moment. And that was the reason that I asked for a special meeting, maybe a change of mind towards the end of this year. He might become good and start talking to us again. But just crossing us off is not good because everyone here in the Forum and even the dialogue partners expressed disappointment. They would like to hear from Fiji and what’s Fiji’s thinking is. The Forum has always being very supportive of Fiji. We will not run away or let Fiji down. But we hope we can get from the Fiji leadership is to tell us what is happening and what we can do to help.”
Tongan Prime Minister Dr Feleti Sevele said Fiji must have elections by March 2009 and dialogue should continue with Fiji to assist the country.
Aid Will Not Be Affected: EU
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