Pacific islands FMs meet to discuss situation in Fiji

Foreign miniters from the Pacific Islands Forum member countries are meeting in Sydney, Australia's biggest city, Friday morning to discuss the political turmoil in Fiji.

The meeting is being held at the request of Fiji's Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase after the country's military commander Voreqe Bainimarama threatened to overthrow the government unless all his demands are met by noon Friday.

The meeting is being chaired by Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Paul Tiensten.

Meanwhile, Australian Acting Prime Minister Mark Vaile said Friday morning that Australia would, if requested, consider intervention in Fiji.

Vaile said Australian forces were on standby to help evacuate any Australians in the event of a coup.

But the Fiji military has warned against foreign intervention.

Source: Xinhua