The European Union's ambassador to Fiji is welcoming the lifting of the Public Emergency Regulations.
The regulations were lifted on Saturday in line with a New Year's address by Fiji's interim prime minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama.
The restrictions, which gave police and the military extensive powers, were imposed after the appeal court ruled in 2009 that his post-coup interim administration was illegal.
Dr Abdoul Aziz Mbaye says lifting them marks progress towards the re-establishment of democracy in Fiji.
"With a new constitution that is inclusive of all layers of society in Fiji, we support this idea."
Dr Abdoul Aziz Mbaye says it appears the amended Public Order Act replicates many of the conditions of the Public Emergency Regulations, something the EU will assess and have a position on very soon.
