Interim Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama is hoping that the Australian and New Zealand Government's come to understand how the smart sanctions imposed on Fiji are affecting people's lives.
As Leaders at the Pacific Islands Leader Forum hold talks behind closed doors at the Leaders Retreat on Vavau island, Commodore Bainimarama said there is nothing else they can do but to continue to highlight these concerns.
“Yes its hurting Fiji and if he wants to hurt Fiji there is nothing much we can do about it and as I have said we have taken our case to the United Nations to the International community when I made that plea in the United Nations General Assembly that is so much we can do and if Blair is going out intentionally to hurt us then there is really nothing we can do about it”.
After meeting with Commonwealth Commodore Bainimarama has stressed that Fiji will go to the polls in March 2009 and said he does not know why the other Leaders keep saying he is not committed to this date.
Commodore Bainimarama said the interim government is doing everything to ensure elections are held highlighting that the Electoral Boundaries Commission has been appointed and the National Census has been conducted as they agreed to do. He stresses that the interim government stance firm that elections will be held in March 2009.
Meanwhile, the Leaders Retreat continues in Vavau. We join our News Director Vijay Narayan for the latest.
“This is my first time in the forum meeting, I was excited in representing the country especially in an official function but I think that we all agree for those of us that were there it was quiet an impressive performance by those who were involved in the opening ceremony I think it was an impressive show of discipline by the soldiers, the young kids on the streets you know and the school girls even the ceremony and I felt that that was missing you know with the discipline in our lives and especially I was like everyone else impressed with the way the Tongans love their King, they show respect on the grounds today.
Well it was yes, as I have said this is the first time I have attended a meeting such as this and it was quiet a buzz for the moment representing the nation here and the Government here in Tonga”.
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