29 May 2009

Vanuatu backs Fiji bid for EU support

1:55 pm on 29 May 2009

Vanuatu has expressed support for Fiji and is asking for assistance from the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group and the European Union in bringing a resolution to Fiji's political situation.

The Fijivillage website reports that Foreign Minister Bakoa Kaltongga made the request to the ACP and the EU at the opening of the 89th ACP Council of Ministers meeting in Brussels

Mr Kaltongga also called for their support to Fiji's interim regime in the implementation of the necessary reforms for the welfare and economic well-being of the Fiji people.

Fiji's delegation to the meeting in Brussels is headed by interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama.

Radio New Zealand International reports the Commodore used his time at the meeting to explain how the abrogation of Fiji's Constitution by the President was considered necessary in the "difficult" situation Fiji was faced with last month.

The court of appeal issued a ruling on 9 April his government was not legitimate.

Commodore Bainimarama took control of the government in December 2006. It was Fiji's fourth coup since 1987.