The Congressional Delegation from the United States said it is disturbed by explanations provided by the interim government in Fiji on the obstacles which may hinder their plans to hold elections as soon as possible.

The Delegation met with Interim Foreign Affairs Minister Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and with a group of members of the ousted government in Nadi at the weekend and head of delegation Congressman Donald Payne also held a telephone conversation with ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase.

In a statement Payne said they were disturbed Ratu Epeli Nailatikau suggested various contingencies might arise that could endanger holding elections as promised by late 2008 or early 2009.

Payne said at their meetings they stressed that the world has moved dramatically to democratic forms of government and reject military coups as disastrous, both for political and economic advancement.

The Congressmen also raised deep concerns about human rights violations by the Fiji Military Forces and urged the interim government to move strongly and unwaveringly to the earliest possible elections to return legitimacy to Fiji's governance.

The delegation said it will explore options in Washington to further encourage the return of Fiji to democracy.

However, earlier today Interim Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama called on the developed countries to stop comparing them with Fiji as our country has just been independent for 37 years.

Commodore Bainimarama said our current constitution has just been in place for ten years and countries like the US should understand that having a true democracy takes time.

The Interim Prime Minister has also stressed that it will take a long journey to have a truly democratic, united and free nation.