17 Oct 2007

Palau's President stays away from Pacific Islands Forum because of Bainimarama

11:56 am on 17 October 2007

Meanwhile, Palau's president Tommy Remengesau has confirmed that he is absent from the Forum because he doesn't want to appear at the meeting with Commodore Bainimarama.

Mr Remengesau says he has already expressed his concern about the lack of democracy in Fiji to officials from Australia, United States and other countries.

He is one of five heads of government who chose not to go to the Forum in Tonga but to send another representative .

The others to stay away are from Australia, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands.

Solomon Islands is boycotting the Forum main event.