14 Jun 2012

Sanctions against Fiji's sugar industry hurt people not regime - head of ACP

6:14 am on 14 June 2012

The secretary general of the African, Caribbean and Pacific group of countries says sanctions against Fiji's sugar industry are hurting the people, not the interim regime.

Fiji has asked the ACP to support its call for the sanctions, which have been in place since 2007, to be removed.

Dr Mohammed Chambas says Fiji must return to constitutional rule, so it can return to full cooperation with the EU.

"Sugar accompanying measures are for the sugar industry. And the sugar industry is the Fijian people. Who are working in it. So, of course we know the reasons why Fiji is under article 96 suspension. But at the same time we have to be mindful that we don't throw the baby out with the dirty water."

Dr Mohammed Chambas says a joint ACP/EU fact-finding mission will go to Fiji at the end of July.