The Working Group held its eighth meeting at the Forum Secretariat Headquarters in Suva on 15 June 2007, attended by senior officials from Australia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu.

- Working Group members expressed concern about the recent turn of events in relation to the New Zealand High Commissioner. While noting Fiji...’s statement that this was a bilateral issue, Forum members are deeply concerned when something of this nature occurs between two of its members. The relationship between New Zealand and Fiji is an important one for the region generally, and the region inevitably suffers when events such as this disturb it. The Working Group noted that the Forum is committed to continuing its regional work in the service and under the guidance of its member countries.

- The Working Group further discussed the report of the independent technical assessment of an election timetable for Fiji. The Working Group was advised that Fiji...’s final position on the assessment awaited a meeting of the interim cabinet scheduled for 19 June. The Working Group discussed offers from Forum members and other donors to provide assistance for the census and election processes in line with the assessment report. The Working Group agreed that subject to developments, it may be appropriate for the Working Group to play a coordinating role in relation to such assistance.... 

- The Working Group further discussed the standing issues (the restoration of civilian rule, upholding the 1997 Constitution, the cessation of human rights abuses and addressing allegations of abuse, and support for a credible and independent anti-corruption commission).... 

- The Working Group commenced discussion of its three-monthly progress report to the Eminent Persons...’ Group, as requested by Forum Foreign Affairs Ministers at their meeting in Port Vila on 16 March.

The Working Group will hold its next meeting on 21 June 2007. Forum Secretariat, 15/06/07.