4 Nov 2008

Fiji's President yet to receive response from Commonwealth Secretariat

11:57 am on 4 November 2008

Fiji's President Ratu Josefa Iloilo is yet to receive a response from the Commonwealth Secretariat and the United Nations on how the political dialogue forum will be facilitated.

Secretary in the President's Office, Rupeni Nacewa, confirmed that they have not received any update on the request sent to the Commonwealth Secretariat and the United Nations.

He told Fijilive that all they have received is an acknowledgment of their request.

However, the chairman of the Joint Forum Working Group, Peter Eafeare said they are looking forward to the meeting with Fiji and hopes that the interim Government has ample time to decide on elections.

Mr Eafeare said they are hoping to take on board the views of Fiji's major political parties before coming to a decision.

The Group's report will also decide whether Fiji remains suspended from the Pacific Islands Forum.

After the Pacific Island Leaders Forum in August, Fiji was given an ultimatum to hold elections by March 2009 or face suspension from the Forum.