12 Mar 2012

New Zealand open-minded about Fiji constitution process

9:26 am on 12 March 2012

New Zealand's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Murray Mccully, says talks of Fiji moving towards a new constitution is a step in the right direction.

On Friday, the military regime announced the process of consultations towards a new constitution before elections expected in 2014.

It will replace the 1997 constitution which the regime abolished three years ago when the appeal court ruled that Frank Bainimarama's post-coup interim government was illegal.

Murray Mccully welcomes the announcement, adding New Zealand and Australia have always made it clear they want to see steps towards a fair and free elections.

He says this is a good step but the value of it will be assesed as the consultation occurs.

"And I think we should be opened minded about this as it plays out and New Zealand and Australia will keep talking and be open minded about the steps being taken."