20 Aug 2008

Fiji interim prime minister considering withdrawing from Pacific Forum

9:43 am on 20 August 2008

Fiji's interim prime minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, has indicated his country might withdraw from the Pacific Islands Forum altogether.

He is already boycotting the forum leaders' meeting in Niue, which will be considering a report on whether Fiji is ready to hold elections early next year.

The report by Pacific foreign ministers says there is no logistical barrier to elections taking place.

But a statement from Commodore Bainimarama says if the report is supported by the leaders, he will tell the people of Fiji they will have to pursue their own way forward.

Fiji pulled out of attending the Forum shortly before it was due to start.