MSG slams Aussie move to expel Fiji

THE Melanesian Spearhead Group has slammed Australia’s unilateral decision to expel Fiji’s participation in Ramsi.
The MSG meeting chaired by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Commerce and Industry Paul Tiensten was attended by ministers and senior officials of the governments of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji.
The special MSG foreign affairs ministers meeting in Honiara last Saturday also noted with serious concern the delay by the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat (PIFS) in implementing the decision by the forum leaders at the 37th Pacific Islands forum for a task force to be set up to expeditiously conducts the review of Ramsi activities.
The ministers called on the PIFS to quickly implement that decision without further delay.
MSG Secretariat said yesterday the ministers were concerned at the manner in which Australia unilaterally expelled Fiji’s military component from participating in Ramsi, considering that it is a forum initiative.
“The ministers support Fiji’s request to continue to participate under its own funding arrangement and agreed to encourage Fiji to pursue discussion with Forum members for its participation.”
The ministers took note of the updates and concerns provided by Fiji on trade issues relating to the Environmental Protection Agency and Pacific Agreement on Closer economic Relations talks.
 

Type In Your Name:

Type In Your E-mail:

Your Friend's E-mail:

Your Comments:

Receive copy: