Fiji's Position to Exclude Australia and New Zealand from PIFS is a bluff Featured
The differences over the push by Fiji to establish a new regional organization is someting not to consider seriously according to the New Zealand Prime Minister John Key. Hon. Key refers to the endeavor by the Republic of Fiji to exclude New Zealand and Australia from Pacific Islands Forum as a joke.
Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has recently confirmed the position of Fiji by stating that his country will not rejoin the Forum if New Zealand and Australia are still members. Fiji makes it known that one of the conditions if Fiji has to rejoin the Forum is that other donors join the Pacific Islands Forum especially the like of China.
Radio New Zealand International reported that Hon. Key told Auckland's Radio Tarana that the activities of the Forum would be severely constrained without the funding it gets from Australia and New Zealand.
"Where would they get the money to do anything? And the answer is nowhere. None of them have that. So i don't think you would want to take him terribly seriously - I'm not and I don't think other people will be either. I think it is just Frank Bainimarama mouthing off, really." stated Hon. Key.
This is the first time that the Prime Minister of New Zealand has publicly stated his view on the issue and it gives the impression that New Zealand and Australia are not taking Fiji's position seriously.
The Prime Minister of Tonga Hon. 'Akilisi Pohiva has recently confirmed that Tonga is supporting New Zealand and Asutralia.
