14 Jan 2009

Forum should rule out talk of Fiji suspension, says Tonga

8:24 pm on 14 January 2009

Tonga says there should be no talk about expulsion or suspension of Fiji from the Pacific Islands Forum.

Forum leaders are to meet in Papua New Guinea in just under two weeks to discuss the Fiji situation after Fiji's interim regime reneged on its 2007 promise to hold elections by March.

Last year's Forum in Niue said it would meet in PNG and consider suspending Fiji but Tonga says the Port Moresby talks should be held to find a way forward.

A political party backing the Fiji interim regime has now asked the Forum to remove any possible suspension from the agenda of the summit.

The Forum secretariat in Suva has declined to comment on the agenda.