The Interim Prime Minister has today said Fiji has experienced how Australia and NZ have strategically used their influence and the tacit support of the Forum Secretariat to undermine and sub-ordinate Fiji's interests to that of their and the international community.

While opening the Pacific Islands Business Forum in Nadi today, Commodore Frank Bainimarama said the reaction of Australia and NZ typifies the lack of understanding and arrogance and they also have a condescending attitude to the unique problems and challenges that Fiji is facing.

Bainimarama said it is also intriguing to see both Australian and NZ mounting a campaign to get him disqualified from attending the forthcoming Forum Leaders meeting in Tonga. He said this is one of the risks that regional bodies like the Pacific Islands Forum currently face.

The Interim Prime Minister also took a swipe at the Forum Secretariat. He said whilst promoting good governance as one of the pillars of the Pacific Plan, the interim government has seen the Forum Secretariat supporting and endorsing a couple of sacked former Fiji government CEO's as Security and Financial Advisors in key positions in various forum member countries.

Bainimarama said this was done despite the Secretariat being clearly aware of the backgrounds to their sacking.

The Interim Prime Minister also told the Forum today that returning Fiji to true parliamentary democracy is critically important for a range of reasons rather than just rushing into having elections to satisfy the demands of the international community.

Commodore Bainimarama said it needs to be understood that the political transition which took place as a result of the actions of the RFMF on 5th December, was not a grab for power.

He said the events of 5th December was about rescuing a young and fragile nation which was being plunged into abyss and darkness by political leaders who were manipulative, flaunted the rule of law and encouraged corruption and divisive policies to promote racism to suit their own agenda.

Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Greg Urwin said appointments made to the Forum are on the basis of application for positions and adds that this follows a transparent competitive process.

Urwin, responding to the Interim Prime Minister's speech this morning adds that the process is completely consonant with principles of good governance and best recruitment practice.

And SDL National Director, Peceli Kinivuwai said the speech delivered by the Interim Prime Minister this morning is contradictory.