US asks Fiji coup leader to honor polls pledge

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

WASHINGTON (AFP) — The United States on Tuesday called on Fiji's coup leader Voreqe Bainimarama to honor a commitment to hold elections.

His government's decision to suspend participation in a joint working group with the 16-nation Pacific Islands Forum "increases concern" that he may not abide by a pledge to hold elections by March 2009, the State Department said.

"The United States is disappointed to hear that the interim government of Fiji has decided to suspend its participation in the Pacific Islands Forum -- Joint Working Group on Fiji," department spokesman Sean McCormack said.

"The Joint Working Group presents a practical and constructive medium for Fiji's Pacific neighbors to engage with the interim government in an effort to restore democratic...