The Secretary General of the Commonwealth has confirmed that they are in the process of identifying a mediator to chair the proposed presidents political dialogue forum as the Commonwealth reaffirmed its commitment to assist Fiji in restoring constitutional civilian democracy.

In a statement issued this morning, Kamlesh Sharma has revealed that he has spoken to Interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama on a number of occasions emphasizing the Commonwealth's objective to see the timely return to democratic rule in Fiji and their willingness to support an inclusive and broad based political dialogue.

Sharma confirms that the Commonwealth, in cooperation with the United Nations are in the process of identifying a mediator, who is acceptable to all stakeholders, to facilitate the proposed Presidents Political Dialogue Forum.

He also confirms that the Commonwealth and UN are also continuing to develop and discuss the proposed terms of reference for the proposed forum as requested by the interim government.

The Commonwealth Secretary General said this month marks the second anniversary of the military takeover and the Commonwealth remains deeply committed to achieving a swift restoration of a civilian government in Fiji and to supporting a lasting democratic culture and sustainable development for the people of Fiji and to the country's reinstatement to full Commonwealth membership.
Sharma also said he is constant contact with the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group which visited Fiji in September and will meet again early in 2009 to consider further measures, in-line with Commonwealth procedures, if the situation remained unchanged in Fiji.

He also welcomed the visit to Fiji last week by the Pacific Islands Forum Ministerial Contact Group and reiterated that the Commonwealth remains committed to working with the Pacific Islands Forum, the UN and other partners in assisting Fiji to find a political way forward.