PNG appointed as Interim Forum Chair
PNG appointed as Interim Forum Chair
Friday, 22nd December 2006
Papua New Guinea has taken on the position of Interim Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum.
The Forum Secretariat today announced that in consultation with Forum Leaders, it has been agreed that Rt Hon Grand Chief, Sir Michael T Somare, Prime Minister of PNG, the immediate past Forum Chair, be asked to take on this position.
The Secretariat has been advised that Sir Michael has agreed to this arrangement.
Says Forum Secretary General, Mr Greg Urwin: “This decision was made on the basis that the actions of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces have prevented deposed Prime Minister, Mr Laisenia Qarase, from exercising his leadership of the Fiji Government, and have consequently made it impossible as a matter of practicality for him to fulfil his duties as Forum Chair.”
Mr Urwin says PNG will assume the position until such time as a lawful Head of Government in Fiji is able to re-occupy the position, or until the next Leaders’ meeting – whichever occurs sooner.
In line with the usual practice that the host country of the Forum Leaders’ Meeting takes on the position of Forum Chair, Fiji this year assumed the position following the Leaders’ meeting held in Nadi in October.
Mr Urwin reiterated that the crisis in Fiji must be resolved through negotiation, within the Constitution and with respect for the rule of law.
“We are pleased that the Terms of Reference for a Forum Eminent Persons’ Group (EPG) is acceptable to the RFMF-installed regime” says Mr Urwin.
“The group will undertake a mission to Fiji to underscore the importance of democratic principles under the Biketawa Declaration, consult with government and other stakeholders about the current political situation and come up with recommendations on how Fiji and the Forum can work together to return the country to democratic and constitutional rule.”
Adds Mr Urwin: “As one of the founders of the Forum in 1971, and as a member of our family of Pacific island countries, the Forum remains dedicated to assisting Fiji steer towards a peaceful and lawful resolution of the current situation.”
(Ends)
Friday, 22nd December 2006
Papua New Guinea has taken on the position of Interim Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum.
The Forum Secretariat today announced that in consultation with Forum Leaders, it has been agreed that Rt Hon Grand Chief, Sir Michael T Somare, Prime Minister of PNG, the immediate past Forum Chair, be asked to take on this position.
The Secretariat has been advised that Sir Michael has agreed to this arrangement.
Says Forum Secretary General, Mr Greg Urwin: “This decision was made on the basis that the actions of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces have prevented deposed Prime Minister, Mr Laisenia Qarase, from exercising his leadership of the Fiji Government, and have consequently made it impossible as a matter of practicality for him to fulfil his duties as Forum Chair.”
Mr Urwin says PNG will assume the position until such time as a lawful Head of Government in Fiji is able to re-occupy the position, or until the next Leaders’ meeting – whichever occurs sooner.
In line with the usual practice that the host country of the Forum Leaders’ Meeting takes on the position of Forum Chair, Fiji this year assumed the position following the Leaders’ meeting held in Nadi in October.
Mr Urwin reiterated that the crisis in Fiji must be resolved through negotiation, within the Constitution and with respect for the rule of law.
“We are pleased that the Terms of Reference for a Forum Eminent Persons’ Group (EPG) is acceptable to the RFMF-installed regime” says Mr Urwin.
“The group will undertake a mission to Fiji to underscore the importance of democratic principles under the Biketawa Declaration, consult with government and other stakeholders about the current political situation and come up with recommendations on how Fiji and the Forum can work together to return the country to democratic and constitutional rule.”
Adds Mr Urwin: “As one of the founders of the Forum in 1971, and as a member of our family of Pacific island countries, the Forum remains dedicated to assisting Fiji steer towards a peaceful and lawful resolution of the current situation.”
(Ends)
