Cairns, Australia: Fiji remains suspended from the Pacific Islands Forum but leaders have agreed to engage with sectors like churches.

The suspension was announced by new chairman and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at the final forum press conference at the Cairns Convention Centre yesterday.

Melanesian Spearhead Group chairman Edward Natapei said attempts should be made to dialogue with other stakeholders in Fiji.

“We had the opportunity to explain the situation on Fiji and we included a paragraph dealing with possible dialogue and ensuring we are able to talk to other sectors in Fiji,” Mr Natapei said.

This was in contrast to the expectations that the Melanesian Spearhead Group would present Fiji’s roadmap to the Forum Leaders, which among other things calls for national elections in 2014.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Doctor Derek Sikua said on Wednesday that in the true spirit of the Pacific Way, Fiji cannot be isolated by the Pacific Islands Forum.

"That is not the Pacific Way and we would like to ensure that Fiji continues to be engaged with and that we continue with the dialogue process.

Mr Rudd maintains that the Forum remains willing to engage with Fiji.

“As I said before we look forward to the day when Fiji returns to the family of democracy in our region.

“Regrettably Commodore Bainimarama does not seem to have that attitude.

Fiji remains suspended from the 16 member group until an acceptable solution to their political situation is achieved.

“We are indeed troubled by the deteriorating situation in Fiji,” Mr Rudd said.

“Media freedom is being trampled on and church leaders are being arrested.
“The people of Fiji deserve better “They deserve a prompt and early return to democracy.

“Therefore the Forum’s resolve today parallel to that of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group meeting in London earlier is to maintain a clear and absolute line when it comes to the unacceptability of the actions by the interim administration.

“We would look forward to the action of the Fiji administration, which would cause us to have any confidence in this situation.”

Forum Leaders again called for political dialogue in Fiji between parties on the principles of genuine, inclusive dialogue without preconditions or pre-determined outcomes. 

They’ve urged Fiji to come back to the discussion table through the established joint working group process.