27 Jul 2009

PINA calls for dialogue with Fiji interim regime

7:13 pm on 27 July 2009

The leadership of the Pacific Islands News Association has called for continued dialogue with the Fiji Interim regime as its conference discusses the country's media situation.

The PINA convention in Vanuatu is being attended by Fiji editors and as well as two officials of the information ministry, which administers the censorship rules.

Walter Zweifel reports from Port Vila.

"The question has been raised whether the Fiji interim regime can remain a member of PINA when its policy on media freedom is being ignored by the authorities in Suva. PINA leaders say they are in favour of dialogue, and have taken on board the regime's wish for further training of Fiji journalists. The Fiji interim regime delegate on the conference panel says she has no obligation to inform on Fiji journalists' comments in Port Vila, saying upon their return they will not be sanctioned under the provisions of the emergency rules. Earlier, she told the meeting that she was being treated poorly for only doing her job. The PINA AGM will discuss the organisation's stance on Fiji later this week."