1 Dec 2006

Eminent Persons team to be sent to talk with parties to impasse in Fiji

6:02 pm on 1 December 2006

Pacific foreign ministers, who met in Sydney today, say if martial law is imposed in Fiji it would a tragedy for the country and have dire consequences for the region.

In a communique from their meeting they say the future peace and stability of Fiji is a matter of legitimate concern to all Forum members, particularly given the organisation is headquartered there.

They say a military take over would affect Fiji's position as the chair of the Forum.

The ministers have decided an Eminent Persons Group should be sent to Fiji to meet all the relevant parties to the impasse.