By Sarah E. Treptow
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea – Papua New Guinea’s prime minister, Sir Michael, Somare, is continuing to put the pressure on Fiji’s interim government to hold elections.  Somare says Fiji will only regain its prominence in the region when they return to democracy.  His comments come a day after the Pacific Islands Forum Working Group on Fiji met in Suva, Fiji’s capital.

Fiji’s interim prime minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, had written to the working group requesting recognition that elections in Fiji would not occur by the forum’s previously set March deadline.  He also requested that the working group recognize the recent High Court ruling that legitimized the coup.

Somare also said that democracy is also the only way Fiji will be able to implement the planned People’s Charter.  When discussing the People’s Charter, Somare remarked, “You can accept the charter, people can accept that, but to make it the constitution is very difficult.  You must have a parliament.”

Somare concluded by remarking, “So I think he’s got a big question in front of him and I’m hoping that the ministerial committee, when they meet, they will be able to come up with some answers and, of course, some understanding from him.”

For more information, please see:
Pacific Magazine – Returning to the Polls Will Regain Fiji’s Prominence – 08 November 2008

Radio Australia – PNG PM continues pressure on Fiji regime – 07 November 2008