We now go straight into the update from Tonga on the 38th Pacific Island Leaders Forum.
In light of the seven outcomes by the Pacific Island Leaders in Tonga, on Fiji's situation, the Interim Attorney General, Aiyaz Saiyed Khaiyum has called for assistance from the international community.
Our News Directed filed this report from Vavau in Tonga.
Vijay Narayan: Fiji's Interim Attorney General Aiyaz Saiyed Khaiyum has now called for assistance and understanding from the International Community after Commodore Frank Bainimarama made a firm commitment to the Pacific island leaders in Tonga today that Fiji will go to the polls by March 2009
Saiyed khaiyum said that Bainimarama showed strong leadership in the forum today and conducted himself as a statesman. He said the Interim administration is ready to have elections by March 2009 with all the necessary processes starting already.
Interim AG: I think it is being exceptional the manner in which our Prime Minister has been received at the Forum. I think it was quiet overwhelming him also goes to show the manner in which he conducted himself true diplomat, indeed a statesman. I think that's a comment that has been made by a number of forum leaders who have actually acknowledged that the Prime minister made a very frank statement to the forum leaders today in respects to where we are, how we have come to where we are and where we should be going its been in line with the EU consultation that we have had in which the EU recognises that in order for us to move forward we need to recognise the realities of the present and focus on the future and take a pragmatic approach.
And of course as you will see from the outcome the forum has acknowledged the People's Charter which we will put in now that is obviously very important it is a key initiative of the Government. The Government of course will, as you already know whilst there are many people talking about, indicators for our commitment to holding elections, we have already put in place numerous mechanisms in place for the holding elections as you know we have recently appointed the Constituency Boundaries Commission, the Electoral Commission have been appointed and the census been conducted and the Government and Government officials have been engaging with the forum working group in their scoping missions.
Saiyed khaiyum hopes that a Foreign Forum ministers meeting in January agrees that Fiji has a credible road map to democracy and the sanctions placed by Australia and New Zealand and other countries are lifted.
New Zealand Prime Minister, Helen Clark in a press conference in the last hour said that sanctions could even be lifted before January next year if a credible road map to democracy in Fiji is revealed.
Australian foreign Minister, Alexander Downer holds the same sentiments.
Commodore Frank Bainimarama is still in the Forum Leaders Retreat the meeting is still underway and we expect to speak to him later this afternoon.
