27 Aug 2008

Pacific supports Fiji ban - Solomons PM

2:01 pm on 27 August 2008

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Derek Sikua says threats to suspend Fiji from the Pacific Islands Forum are supported by all the island countries.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Michael Somare has already offered his country as a venue for special talks later this year to discuss whether Fiji should be expelled from the Forum.

Fiji boycotted this year's Forum on Niue, claiming it was denied entry to post-forum talks some countries had arranged in Auckland.

Fiji has been ruled by Commodore Frank Bainimarama since a military coup in December 2006.

Last year, Commodore Bainimarama promised the forum leaders he would hold elections before the end of March 2009, but has since done an about-turn from that position.

Last week's Forum in Niue called on Fiji to recommit to elections or they would consider its suspension.

Fiji's Interim Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum said the stance was led by New Zealand and Australia and did not reflect all Pacific countries.