The pressure on Fiji has commenced in Niue with the New Zealand Prime Minister's first meeting at the Pacific Islands Forum.
Helen Clark had stressed that Fiji citizens can only be included in New Zealand's formal work scheme if Fiji returns to constitutional democracy.
Speaking in Niue, Clark had made it clear that there will be no work scheme for Fiji unless a serious commitment is made to have elections in March 2009.
“When Fiji returns to constitutional government we will be delighted to consider it because it was a plan to include Fiji at the very beginning. And of course with the difficult events which have happened in Fiji that wasn’t possible. But this is one of the many reasons why it’s very important in my view for Fiji to accept the help of the Commonwealth and accept the help of the Pacific Islands Forum in moving back to constitutional government because then more normal relations can resume with the Forum and with other neighboring countries.”
Meanwhile, Clark had her first bilateral meeting with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Derek Sikua in Niue this morning.
Our reporter, Ronal Deo said Clark had confirmed to Sikua that Solomon Islands will now be included in New Zealand's formal work scheme.
Fiji was supposed to be one of the first countries to be included in the scheme but this has been put on hold due to the events of December 2006.
There are now suggestions that New Zealand and Australia may be looking at a forum outcome which could include Fiji's expulsion from the Pacific Forum and a push to have other Pacific Island countries imposing travel bans on Fiji. Both Clark and her Australian counterpart Kevin Rudd are expecting a strong reaction from the Pacific Leaders due to Fiji's non-attendance.
