The Interim Prime Minister said 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.

While opening the Pacific Islands Business Forum in Nadi today, Commodore Frank 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.

Commodore Bainimarama said all these issues will be addressed through the setting up of the proposed National Council of Building A Better Fiji.

However, he said Fiji remains fully committed and engaged with the initiatives of the Pacific Island Forum which is ready to assist Fiji in moving forward, particularly in terms of Fiji returning to parliamentary democracy.

Commodore Bainimarama also said that the interim administration is very much on track in terms of honouring its commitments with the uplifting of the Emergency Regulations, release of the initial funds for census to conduct a National Census, appointment of the Electoral Commission, and the acceptance in principle of the report of the Independent Assessment Team and March 2009 timeline for elections.

The Pacific Island Business Forum which is underway in Nadi is being attended by a number of ministers from the Pacific region.