15 Jan 2009

Tonga against expulsion of Fiji from Pacific Forum

12:18 pm on 15 January 2009

Tonga says there should be no talk about expulsion or suspension of Fiji from the Pacific Islands Forum.

Forum leaders are to meet in Papua New Guinea in two weeks to discuss the Fiji situation after Fiji's interim regime reneged on a promise in 2007 to hold elections by March 2009.

Last year's Forum in Niue decided would meet in PNG and consider suspending Fiji but Tonga says the Port Moresby talks should be held to find a way forward.

Radio New Zealand International reports a political party backing the Fiji interim regime has now asked the Forum to remove any possible suspension from the agenda of the summit.

The Forum secretariat in Suva has declined to comment on the agenda.

The current Fiji government came to power in a coup in December 2006. it was the fourth coup since 1987.