Fiji PM requests re-engagement with Pacific Forum
24/9/2008 17:42
Fiji's Interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has written to the Pacific
Islands Forum saying Fiji wants to re-engage with the Forum, the Pacnews
regional news agency reported today.
Fiji declined to attend this year's
Forum meeting in Niue after New Zealand placed transit visa restrictions on the
interim government's delegation.
Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Niue
Premier Toke Talagi said he welcomed the Commodore's request.
"I'm happy to
receive that because I think that's exactly what the Pacific Island Forum
Leaders want, that's the re-establishment of contact to ensure that we continue
a dialogue, to ensure that Fiji holds general elections as quickly as possible
but certainly before March 2009," he said
Meanwhile, Fiji's interim foreign
affairs minister, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, has been reassigned to provincial
development and multi-ethnic affairs.
Bainimarama said his decision was in
response to an outcry from people living in the rural and outer islands for
improved infrastructure and public services.
In the meantime, Bainimarama
will be responsible for foreign minister until an appointment is
made.
Xinhua
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