19 Aug 2002

Fijian Political party says Australia is interfering in Fijis political process

10:25 am on 19 August 2002

The Fijian Political Party, the SVT, says Australia should not interfere in Fiji's political problems.

The SVT president, Ro Epeli Mataitini, says although Australia is trying to help the Fiji government to abide by the constitution to form a multi-party government, it should not use techniques which resolve problems by force.

The Sunday Times say he was referring to a report which said Australia would stop all aid and technical assistance to Fiji if it did not comply with the priciples of good governance.

Ro Epeli says they can give advice but to take actions such as stopping all aid and technical assistance will not help solve the problem.

He says the prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, and the Labour party leader, Mahendra Chaudhry, should solve the problem quickly for the sake of Fiji's citizens.