A political leader in Fiji is welcoming moves by the interim government to restore diplomatic ties with its trans-Tasman neighbours.
Fiji's foreign minister, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola met with his counterparts from Australia and New Zealand in Canberra yesterday to work towards improving relations.
The leader of Fiji's Labour Party, Mahendra Chaudhry, says dialogue is needed to help return Fiji to democratic rule, and there should be no restrictions on who can participate in future talks.
He says moves to appoint new diplomats to Fiji are greatly needed.
"The diplomatic missions here in Fiji of both Australia and New Zealand particularly, are very sorely understaffed and as a result there is a backlog of work which is hindering and inconveniencing our people."
