Pacific FMs urge Fiji parties to resolve differences peacefully

Foreign ministers from Pacific Islands Forum countries have urged parties in Fiji to resolve their differences through negotiation.

Australia Friday hosted a meeting of the ministers to discuss the political crisis in Fiji, after the country's military commander Frank Bainimarama threatened to overthrow the government unless a list of his demands are met by noon Friday.

It was later reported that the deadline has been extended to noon next Monday.

The ministers who attended the meeting in Sydney, Australia's largest city, released an 11-point statement following the meeting, urging that the "differences between the parties ... be resolved through negotiation."

The ministers also resolved to set up an "eminent persons group" comprising high-level government officials from the Pacific island nations to meet with Fiji's military and government leaders in an effort to solve the crisis.

They emphasized that future peace and stability was a concern giving Fiji's role as a regional center and the effect the removal of a democratically-elected government could have on the economy and people.

The ministers said they would meet again if circumstances required, and consider the report of the eminent persons group.

They also welcomed a message from UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, who urged the Fiji military to avoid any action that would undermine the rule of law.

Source: Xinhua