Australian Foreign Minister Alexander has stressed here in Tonga that the sanctions against Fiji are working and he believes that this will force Fiji to call elections by March 2009.
Although Commodore Bainimarama has stressed that he has given a firm commitment and there will be elections by March 2009 and sanctions should be lifted, Downer thinks otherwise.
While speaking in Tonga, Downer has also said that the Pacific Island countries are also helping Australia and New Zealand to ensure that Fiji return to democracy.
Meanwhile, Commodore Bainimarama is expected to have more bilateral meetings today during his last day in Tonga and he also met with representatives from Indonesia, India and China late yesterday afternoon and is expected to reveal details of the bilateral meetings later today.
Also at 4:30 this afternoon, The Interim Prime Minister and his delegation travel to Tefaiva stadium to watch the rugby league match between the Fiji Bati and Tonga.
Sanctions are working-Downer
Related Stories
COMPOL urges Lagalaga Sanatan students to value discipline and education
Students of Lagalaga Sanatan Primary School in Labasa have been reminded of the importance of education, discipline and obedience by the Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu. Tudravu spoke to the students during
Heavy Rain Alert remains for Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups
A Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for the Eastern half of Viti Levu from Serua, Namosi through Navua, Suva, Nausori, Tailevu, Naitasiri, Ra, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni, Kadavu, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups and near
Warning letter written to Prof. Narsey – Acting AG
Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga says a strong warning letter has been written to Electoral Reform Commissioner Professor Wadan Narsey after he came out publicly with the Electoral Reform Commission report recommen
3 Fijian men from KVT gang in Sydney denied bail for AUD$12.5M drugs case
Three Fijians who are alleged to be associated with a gang supplying drugs in Sydney have been refused bail by the court. 28-year-old Eparama Nevale, 28-year-old William Ravoka, and 24-year-old George Sukanaivalu,
Proposed ‘People First’ submits application for registration
The Proposed ‘People First’ has submitted its application for registration to the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa. Mataiciwa confirms that the FEO is now preparing to publish the party’s applica
Visitor arrivals on track for record year while sugar output drops
Visitor arrivals have recovered following a decline in the first quarter and based on current trends, Fiji is on track to achieve a third consecutive year of record visitor arrivals in 2025. While speaking on the p