The United States is extremely disappointed that Fiji's self-appointed leader, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, refused to attend the Pacific Island Forum PIF conference of leaders in Port Moresby on January 27.

The United States firmly supports the PIF's statement that "More than two years of rule by an unelected military government, with no clear timetable for the return of constitutional government to the people, is not acceptable by international standards." The United States strongly endorses the PIF position and urges Fiji's interim government to move immediately to restore democracy and to hold free and fair elections by the end of this year. US Department of State, 27/01/09.