Fiji remains suspended from the Pacific Islands Forum however leaders have called for the commencement of political dialogue in Fiji between parties on the principles of genuine, inclusive dialogue without preconditions or pre determined outcomes.
In the official Communiqué from the 41st Pacific Island Forum meeting that came to an end yesterday in Port Villa Vanuatu, leaders noted the report of the Chair of the Ministerial Contact Group (MCG) on Fiji and commended the continuing efforts to encourage and support Fiji's early return to parliamentary democracy in accordance with the Leaders' mandates and the Biketawa Declaration, cognisant of the Leaders' decisions at Port Moresby and Cairns in 2009.
It also states that leaders welcomed the convening of the Ministerial Contact Group (MCG) meeting held in Auckland, New Zealand, on 31 May 2010 and, mindful of the position of the Fiji Government as presented by Fiji's Interim Foreign Minister at that meeting, expressed and registered their continuing deep concern at the serious political and economic challenges facing Fiji.
It goes on to say that reflecting on the report of the Chair of the MCG, leaders noted that there remained a clear commitment from all Forum members to continue to offer Fiji their assistance in addressing the challenges faced by Fiji, and to encourage full restoration of parliamentary democracy.
Leaders also reaffirmed the importance of continued strong solidarity for the region's position on Fiji from the United Nations, the Commonwealth, and the EU and across the international community.
Story by: Ana Naisoro
