As the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum officially kicks off in Cairns later this morning, there are clear indications that attempts by Australia and New Zealand to put the Fiji issue aside for now may be frustrated after the summit last month of the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
The MSG leaders in the forum are Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, Vanuatu Prime Minister Edward Natapei and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Doctor Derek Sikua.
They have a report on Fiji's roadmap to democracy and the steps to be taken by Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama which include a change in Fiji's constitution in 2013 and elections under a new electoral system by 2014.
Both Australia and NZ had highlighted that the Cairns forum will focus on the global recession and climate change, and that Fiji will not top the agenda.
But reports are emerging from Cairns that Fiji will again be one of the main issues on the agenda.
In a communique at the end of the MSG summit, PNG, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu called on the Pacific Forum to maintain an open and constructive dialogue with Fiji.
Solomon Islands Foreign Minister William Haomae has also written to governments across the Pacific supporting Fiji's complaints that any talk of a new trade deal is in breach of the existing arrangements.
It follows a declaration by Pacific countries, including Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Vanuatu, last month that said the exclusion of Fiji would render agreements null and void.
With just hours remaining for the forum to start, Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare has said in Australia that he thinks Commodore Bainimarama has made up his mind and elections will be held in 5 years.
Somare said Bainimarama has said how he wants to run his place and he said that was the clear message in the Melanesian Spearhead Group summit.
The PNG prime minister said it may be hard for Australia and New Zealand to accept it, but this is the stand taken and there is nothing much that can be done about it.
However, NZ Prime Minister John Key is maintaining that Fiji will not be the main focus in Cairns.
Key said NZ will, however, make it clear to the Melanesia leaders that it supports Fiji's inclusion in upcoming regional trade talks.
MSG leaders to push Fiji issue
Related Stories
COMPOL urges Lagalaga Sanatan students to value discipline and education
Students of Lagalaga Sanatan Primary School in Labasa have been reminded of the importance of education, discipline and obedience by the Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu. Tudravu spoke to the students during
Heavy Rain Alert remains for Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups
A Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for the Eastern half of Viti Levu from Serua, Namosi through Navua, Suva, Nausori, Tailevu, Naitasiri, Ra, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni, Kadavu, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups and near
Warning letter written to Prof. Narsey – Acting AG
Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga says a strong warning letter has been written to Electoral Reform Commissioner Professor Wadan Narsey after he came out publicly with the Electoral Reform Commission report recommen
3 Fijian men from KVT gang in Sydney denied bail for AUD$12.5M drugs case
Three Fijians who are alleged to be associated with a gang supplying drugs in Sydney have been refused bail by the court. 28-year-old Eparama Nevale, 28-year-old William Ravoka, and 24-year-old George Sukanaivalu,
Proposed ‘People First’ submits application for registration
The Proposed ‘People First’ has submitted its application for registration to the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa. Mataiciwa confirms that the FEO is now preparing to publish the party’s applica
Visitor arrivals on track for record year while sugar output drops
Visitor arrivals have recovered following a decline in the first quarter and based on current trends, Fiji is on track to achieve a third consecutive year of record visitor arrivals in 2025. While speaking on the p