The US Department of State, Washington DC, in a statement released has said that the pledge by Interim Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama to hold elections in March 2009 at the 38th Pacific Island Leaders Forum in Tonga, is a step in the right direction.
The press release went on to state that the United States has consistently sought the immediate restoration of human rights and civil liberties, as well as early elections in Fiji.
The United States will continue to work closely with the Forum and its member states in support of a return to democracy in Fiji as soon as possible.
However, inspite of the commitment by Bainimarama, the suspension of certain U.S assistance to the Fiji Government will remain in place until the President or Secretary of State determines that a democratically elected Government has taken office in Fiji.
US welcome election pledge
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