Who got the loudest cheer?
Our News Director Vijay Narayan reports from Nuku'alofa.
Vijay Narayan: "Who got the loudest cheer at the official opening of the Pacific Island Leaders Forum earlier this week, well even that is being questioned by Australia Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer while responding to questions from journalists here in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, on the rock star welcome that Commodore Bainimarama received, when he entered the official opening ceremony at the King's Palace Grounds".
"Alexander Downer said that it seems the journalists were not there when he was officially welcomed earlier than Bainimarama. But according to Downer, he says that the Pacific Island Leaders are united to ensure that Fiji returns to democracy and that is a clear message that they have given to Bainimarama".
Downer: "I thought the children cheered, you obviously weren't there when I arrived, the children cheered lastly".
"Well I look forward to him doing something to bring his country back to democracy, what he's done is wrong, and he should move to bring the country back to democracy. His GDP is shrinking, this year his GDP will shrink by around 3 %, tourism is down, industry is not doing well and the people are demoralised, this coup has not worked, this coup is not good for the people of Fiji ".
Vijay Narayan: "Commodore Bainimaram said he received the huge reception during the official opening because the ties between Fiji and Tonga go back years ago and Tonga understands the problems Fiji is going through".
"He also says that he will ensure that Tonga and Fiji relations continue to strengthen and his expected to have his final meeting with the Tongan Prime Minister over dinner tonight here in Nuku'alofa before leaving for Nadi tomorrow morning".
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