Fiji has pulled out of a Pacific Islands Forum summit due to start in Niue on Tuesday, and in a statement blamed New Zealand, NZPA reported.
Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said his withdrawal was in protest at being unable to attend bilateral talks in New Zealand before the forum.
"This regrettable and unfortunate situation of Fiji not participating in the forum meeting in Niue arises because of the decision taken by the government of New Zealand," Bainimarama said.
New Zealand had said it would allow Bainimarama and his delegation a transit visa to go to Niue via Auckland, but stopped short of allowing the Fiji group from visiting New Zealand after the regional meeting.
New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said it appears that Fiji was simply looking for an excuse to pull out, and forum leaders are likely to view the non-attendance as a direct snub.
Source:Xinhua
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