The Minister for Foreign Affairs Ratu Inoke Kubuabola said the comments made by Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele concerning the situation in Fiji and his reference to the South Pacific Forum Secretariat are unfortunate.

Sailele has told the New Zealand Media that the forums Suva headquarters should be moved, and believes the Bainimarama government will not hold elections in 2014 as it said it would.

In a statement, Ratu Inoke said Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama and the Government of Fiji emphatically reaffirm to the international community, their unswerving commitment to holding General Elections in Fiji in 2014 to return the country to Parliamentary Government.

Ratu Inoke said the time-frame takes into account the necessary reforms needed to be carried out for the future good of Fiji, the drafting of a new Constitution, which will also contain new electoral provisions with the fundamental democratic tenet of one man one vote and removal of race based constituencies, consultation with the people of all 14 provinces and Rotuma on the Draft Constitution, the creation and demarcation of constituencies pursuant to the new Constitution, revision of the National Register of Voters on a house to house basis and new Constituencies Lists.

In regards to the presence of the Forum Secretariat in Suva, Ratu Inoke said it is not relevant since Fiji has been suspended from its membership.

The Foreign Minister say notwithstanding the comments from the Samoan PM, the Fiji Government looks forward to, in the Pacific Way, continued cordial relations with the Prime Minister, Government and people of Samoa and their cooperation and collaboration to advance the progress and prosperity of our South Pacific Island nations.