PRESS STATEMENT (11/08)
6th March 2008


Pacific Islands Forum-Fiji Joint Working Group on the Situation in Fiji
6 March 2008, Forum Secretariat, Suva


AGREED OUTCOMES


The Working Group held its twenty-fourth meeting at the Forum Secretariat Headquarters in Suva on 6 March 2008, attended by senior officials from Australia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu.

The Working Group discussed Fiji’s preparations for elections in March 2009. The Working Group welcomed advice that the selection process for the Supervisor of Elections post was at an advanced stage, and that appointment of the successful candidate would be made without further delay.

A briefing was provided to the Working Group by the Chair of the Elections Donor Coordination Committee on the outcomes of the Committee’s last meeting on 27 February 2008. The Working Group welcomed advice that a team of two technical advisers from Australia and New Zealand would visit Fiji next week to assist Fiji and the donor community assess the gaps identified by Fiji in resources for election preparations and donor assistance required, and offer recommendations to the interim government of Fiji in that regard.

The Working Group discussed the standing issues (the restoration of civilian rule, upholding the 1997 Constitution, the cessation of human rights abuses and addressing allegations of abuse, and support for a credible and independent anti-corruption commission). Working group members expressed concerns about the recent deportation of Fiji Sun editor Russell Hunter in terms of the rule of law, due process and protection of fundamental human rights. Fiji advised the Working Group of the interim government’s position on these matters, reiterating recent statements by relevant authorities on Mr Hunter’s deportation, and the interim Prime Minister’s statement of 26 February on media freedom issues.

The Working Group welcomed a briefing from the Commonwealth Secretariat’s envoy Sir Paul Reeves on his discussions in Fiji this week.

The Working Group further discussed preparations and arrangements for the meeting of Forum Foreign Affairs Ministers to be held in Auckland on 26 March 2008.

The Working Group will hold its next meeting on 20 March 2008.

Forum Secretariat, Suva
6 March 2008