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 You are in: Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs > Bureau of Public Affairs > Bureau of Public Affairs: Press Relations Office > Press Releases (Other) > 2008 > July 
Press Statement
Sean McCormack, Spokesman
Washington, DC
July 1, 2008


Fiji Interim Government Decision to Withdraw from Pacific Islands Forum – Joint Working Group on Fiji

The United States is disappointed to hear that the interim government of Fiji has decided to suspend its participation in the Pacific Islands Forum – Joint Working Group on Fiji. The Joint Working Group presents a practical and constructive medium for Fiji’s Pacific neighbors to engage with the interim government in an effort to restore democratic governance to Fiji. 

This decision increases concern that Commodore Bainimarama and the interim government may not abide by the pledge made last year in Tonga to hold free and fair democratic elections under the Fiji Constitution by March 2009.

The United States urges Fiji’s interim government to reverse its decision to suspend participation in the Joint Working Group and, instead, make every effort to honor its commitment to hold elections by March 2009.

2008/537

Released on July 1, 2008

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