Fiji's interim prime minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, has welcomed the agreement reached with the European Union on the way forward for the country.
Commodore Bainimarama says the agreement to have general elections by March 2009 will be subject to the independent assessment of the Forum Working Group on Fiji.
He says the agreed commitment to democratic principles, the rule of law, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are very much in line with the offer Fiji made as part of its submissions.
Commodore Bainimarama says the only difference is in the area of the timeline for general elections and this is subject to the independent assessment due to be made in June.
He says they will need to ensure that the outcome of the Brussels talks is in line with the mandate given to the interim administration by President Iloilo.
The interim prime minister says so far it is all positive and forward looking and they are pleased with the willingness of the European Union to provide assistance to Fiji.
