Fiji's deposed prime minister says the presence of his interim counterpart should not cause a split among Forum members at their summit in Tonga this week.
Laisenia Qarase has told Fiji TV that he faced a similar situation when he was interim prime minister at the Forum in 2000 and was not particularly welcome.
Nevertheless, Mr Qarase says, he was part of the discussions and he has wished Commodore Frank Bainimarama all the best in his participation at the Forum.
Mr Qarase says just as Solomon Islands dominated discussions last year, this year it will be Fiji's turn.
He says all members want Fiji to return to democracy as early as possible and if Commodore Bainimarama is able to make a commitment to a definite timetable for elections, he will come out with a lot of support.
