27 Jul 2009

Fiji's leader denies his country is a failed state

2:32 pm on 27 July 2009

Fiji's interim Prime Minister has denied that his country is a failed state.

Just weeks out from the Pacific Islands Forum summit in Cairns where Melanesian countries are expected to push for Fiji's suspension from the organisation to be lifted, the Commodore reiterated his stance on elections.

Commodore Frank Bainimarama told Australia's SBS Television that the situation in Fiji is such that a radical change is needed, and that radical change can only be brought about by a strong entity like the military.

"The international community think we are a failed state. we are a failed African state. Do you see me driving around in a tank? Everything is working well. There is a government in place It's not a failed state. A lot of people don't want to understand the situation here. Especially Australia and New Zealand."

Commodore Bainimarama says his regime is not going to have an election just to please Australia and New Zealand.