22 Aug 2008

NZ prime minister says supension would damage Fiji economy

9:43 am on 22 August 2008

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Prime Minister, Helen Clark believes Fiji's economy will be hurt if it is suspended from the Pacific Islands Forum.

Helen Clark says any suspension from the Forum would have United Nations backing which would hurt Fiji.

"It leaves Fiji in a very difficult position with a major donor like the European Union, which it needs in order to restructure its sugar industry and try and help its ailing economy."