17 Apr 2007

Fiji delegation in Brussels about to hold discussions with other ACP nations

7:02 pm on 17 April 2007

The delegation from Fiji's interim administration in Brussels for talks with the EU will be holding informal discussions with representatives of the ACP nations today.

The EU has already called for a timeline to be established that will see a return to democracy in Fiji in 18 months to two years.

A failure to hold elections in that time is likely to affect EU aid.

The delegation consists of the interim foreign minister, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, the interim finance minister, Mahendra Chaudhry and the interim attorney general, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

Speaking from Brussels, Mr Sayed -Khaiyum, says the group is making progress:

"It would not be prudent for me to reveal the discussions we've had nor the indicative outcomes that we've had, all I can say is that we're progressing with representing our side of the story."

The delegation have already had informal discussion with EU officials and formal talks will get underway on Wednesday.