The Interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama has stressed that having elections without a national plan of development and change is like leading the country back to an era of uncertainty.

While addressing the Australia Fiji Business Council at the Tanoa Plaza in Suva last night, Commodore Bainimarama reaffirmed the interim government's commitment to holding elections by March next year, in line with the assurance given to the international community, the EU and the Pacific islands leaders forum.

However, Commodore Bainimarama said that this could only be realized with constructive dialogue and engagement from all those interested in Fiji, the international community, our bilaterial and multi lateral development partners and the Forum.

Meanwhile, Commodore Bainimarama also said that the interim government was keen to discuss with Australia the resumption of development assistance suspended since December 2006, the removal of travel bans and normalization of our diplomatic relations.

He said the interim government had always kept its doors open for engagement and dialogue with not only Australia, but other countries who have distanced themselves from Fiji during its hour of need.

Commodore Bainimarama told the Business Council that as business people interested in the socio-economic welfare of Fiji, they would welcome whatever assistance offered in this regard.