Press Statement
Sean McCormack, Spokesman
Washington, DC
July 1, 2008
Fiji Interim Government Decision to Withdraw from Pacific Islands Forum – Joint Working Group on Fiji
The United States is disappointed to hear that the interim government of Fiji has decided to suspend its participation
in the Pacific Islands Forum – Joint Working Group on Fiji. The Joint Working Group presents a practical and
constructive medium for Fiji’s Pacific neighbors to engage with the interim government in an effort to restore
democratic governance to Fiji.
This decision increases concern that Commodore Bainimarama and the interim government may not abide by the pledge made
last year in Tonga to hold free and fair democratic elections under the Fiji Constitution by March 2009.
The United States urges Fiji’s interim government to reverse its decision to suspend participation in the Joint Working
Group and, instead, make every effort to honor its commitment to hold elections by March 2009.
2008/537
Released on July 1, 2008
ENDS