26 May 2011

Tonga says no need to activate the Biketawa declaration over Fiji spat

1:45 pm on 26 May 2011

Tonga's acting attorney general says there is no need for the Biketawa declaration to be invoked to deal with the current diplomatic spat between his country and Fiji.

Fiji's Citizens' Constitutional Forum is calling for the Pacific Islands Forum to consider initiating the declaration before the situation over a former Fiji soldier who sought refuge in Tonga escalates.

The Biketawa Declaration was agreed by Pacific Islands Forum countries in 2000, and outlines courses of action for a regional response to crises.

Samiu Vaipulu says there is no need for it.

"I think this can be dealt with. There's no need for interference from outside at the moment. We can settle our issues with Fiji not involving the forum."

Tonga's acting attorney general, Samiu Vaipulu