Pacific

Discussion way forward on Fiji's Forum stance - SG

15:27 pm on 11 December 2014

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Dame Meg Taylor, has taken onboard Fiji's concerns with the organisation and says a discussion is needed to resolve the issues.

Photo: RNZ

Fiji has refused to engage with the Forum since its suspension was lifted nearly two months ago, saying it is not interested in rejoining as long as New Zealand and Australia are members.

Fiji Live reports Dame Taylor as saying Fiji's concerns need to be discussed in a collective manner with other member countries.

She says no discussion has yet been had about Fiji's concerns, but says if it is to be done, it will require the presence of leaders.

Dame Meg says there are tremendous challenges ahead for the institution and the region, and Fiji has outlined some of those challenges.

Last month, Australia agreed to host a top-level meeting of Pacific leaders in Sydney in February to review the structure of the region's organisations.

In response to the announcement, the New Zealand Foreign Minister, Murray McCully, said since it is a meeting of Pacific leaders he would need to discuss the matter with Prime Minister John Key before offering a view.