12 Aug 2010

New Pacific media group seeks audience with Fiji regime leader

7:15 pm on 12 August 2010

The newly-launched Pacific Media Association has asked for a meeting with Fiji's interim leader, Commodore Frank Bainimarama.

The Association's establishment follows the failure by the Pacific Islands News Association, or PINA, to speak out on issues such as the Fiji media decree.

In a statement, it says it finds censorship of the media to be unacceptable, and views the situation in Fiji to be of the utmost concern.

It says due to the continuing state control of media, it doesn't support or endorse media training courses held in Fiji.

However, the association says a delegation would like to go to Fiji to discuss with Commodore Bainimarama, in the Pacific Way, solutions that may be of benefit to all parties.

Samoa's Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, has welcomed the establishment of the association.