Forum supports democracy as Fiji makes new friends in Non Aligned Movement [1]
Wednesday, September 5, 2012 - 07:59. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
While the Pacific Forum Leaders last week reaffirmed their offer to support Fiji's early return to democracy and the progress made towards an election in September 2014, Fiji has made new friends and established ties with North Korea and Iran in the Non Aligned Movement.
Fifteen Pacific leaders including Tonga's Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano attended the 43rd Pacific Islands Forum in the Cook Islands from August 28-30.
In a communique released to media, the leaders noted the progress made in 2012 towards elections in September 2014, including the registration of voters and the establishment of the Constitutional Commission, and the assurances given to the Forum Ministers Contact Group MCG that there would freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of the media.
Leaders reaffirmed their long standing offer to support Fiji's early return to parliamentary democracy by providing appropriate assistance according to Forum principles and values of respect for democracy, good governance and the rule of law.
They also reiterated the Forum's intention to remain engaged with Fiji and welcomed the successful visit of the Forum Minister Contact Group to Fiji on 1 May 2012.
Leaders also took into account the deliberations of Pacific African Caribbean PACP leaders with respect to the involvement of Fiji in purely PACP related activities. And that the intention of PACP leaders to consider the matter further at a meeting of PACP leaders to be hosted by PNG in the near future.
Fiji has been suspended from the Forum since early 2009, after Commodore Bainimarama seized power in 2006.
Non Aligned Movement
Meanwhile, media reports stated, that Fiji had recently signed an MOU with North Korea at the meeting of the Non Aligned Movement in Iran. The agreement provides a platform for development cooperation in areas of mutual interests to the two countries.
At the same time Fiji also formally established diplomatic relations with Iran when its Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ratu Inoke Kubuabola signed an MOU with his Iranian counterpart Dr Ali Akbar Salehi in Tehran.
This new development will enable economic relations and deepen cooperation between the two countries in agriculture, economy, science, education and other areas.