Press Statement Sean McCormack, Spokesman Washington, DC July 1, 2008
Fiji Interim Government Decision to Withdraw from Pacific Islands Forum – Joint Working Group on FijiThe 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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