Peters Optimistic About Fiji Elections

For the first time since the events of December 5th, 2006, the Foreign Affairs Ministers from Australia and New Zealand will set foot in Fiji later today as part of the Ministerial Contact group to hold discussions with the interim government tomorrow.

And as New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters prepares to arrive in Fiji this afternoon he remains optimistic that Fiji will hold elections in the first quarter of 2009.

Speaking to ABC Radio, Peters confirmed that the ministers will prepare a report on their talks with Interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama and will discuss the situation at the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum in Niue next month.

Peters said New Zealand upholds the standards of democracy internationally, but they have to see if they can restore democracy in Fiji or assist in that happening.

In a statement, Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith said the meeting tomorrow will provide an important opportunity to assess progress towards the holding of elections and to engage in constructive dialogue.

Meanwhile, the agenda and the terms of reference for dialogue between the interim government and the Ministerial Contact Group has been finalized this afternoon ahead of the talks tomorrow.

Interim Foreign Affairs Minister Ratu Epeli Nailatikau confirmed that only selected members of the interim cabinet have been included in the meet. He also confirmed the Ministerial Contact Group will not meet any other stakeholders or interested parties while in Fiji.

“It’s complete and they will be seeing the Prime Minister and some members of the Cabinet. They will meet in the Cabinet Office,” Ganilau said. “As far as I know, as far the communiqué that was put out regarding the ministerial contact – they’re here to talk to the government.” 

The Ministerial Contact Group consists of the Foreign Affairs Minister of Australia Stephen Smith, his New Zealand counterpart Winston Peters, Samoan Prime Minister Sailele Tuila'epa, Tongan Prime Minister Feleti Sevele and Tuvalu Communications and Tourism Minister Taukelina Finikaso.