FIJI SUSPENDS ITSELF FROM REGIONAL GROUP

Fiji has temporarily suspended itself from all the Melanesian Spearhead Group M-S-G formal meetings.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola said affirms Fiji’s position that it will temporarily stand aside from participating in MSG formal meetings.

He said this is to allow MSG leaders the necessary breathing space and autonomy to resolve the outstanding issue of the chairmanship of the MSG due to the deferred MSG Leaders Summit before its formal re-engagement in MSG forums.

Fiji was to replace Vanuatu as chair of the regional group at the MSG Leaders Summit that was initially scheduled to be held in Natadola, Fiji, in July.

Ratu Inoke reiterated that the MSG countries have come out stronger, not only as a prominent and influential sub-regional group in the Pacific Region, but more importantly as individual nations.

He said that in respecting this decision, Fiji will temporarily opt out of MSG sub-committee meetings, MSG Officials meetings and other formal MSG meetings.

Source: SIBC

Ratu Inoke, however, noted that Fiji will participate in the Melanesian Arts Festival in Kone, New Caledonia, this month.