The Prime Minister's Office has written to the Chairman of the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum Dr. Feleti Sevele on concerns that certain restrictions are being placed on the Fiji delegation travelling to the Forum in Niue later this week.

It had been confirmed that the letter was written following concerns raised that limited number of seats have been allocated on flights from Auckland to Niue for delegates from Fiji and over concerns that during transit through Auckland, the delegation may not be permitted to hold bilateral talks with its international partners. The PM's Office is also requesting to hold bilateral talks on the outskirts of the Leaders Forum with trading partners in attendance in Niue.

When contacted, Permanent Secretary at the PM's Office Parmesh Chand said they are awaiting a response on the issues raised and a statement is expected to be released on the matter. He refused to comment further.

The interim Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum who is also expected to attend the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum said an official statement will be issued on the matter.

Foreign Affairs Ministry officials also confirmed that only 5 seats have been allocated to the Fiji delegation and others assigned to travel to Niue will only travel depending on the availability of seats on the airlines. The Pacific Islands Leaders Forum Officials starts on Wednesday with the Leaders Retreat on Thursday.