EU wants Fiji election no later than February
Updated
The European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, says the EU expects Fiji's interim government to ensure elections are held no later than the end of February next year.
In a report to member states, after last month's EU Troika Mission to Fiji, Commissioner Michel raised concern about the election deadline, the vulnerability of rule of law in the country and respect for human rights.
The Commissioner says he is pleased that all political forces in the country say they are ready for a political dialogue, facilitatied by Commonwealth Special Envoy Sir Paul Reeves.
The Commissioner says he hopes the talks can solve essential election-related issues, to allow the EU's 2008 support to the sugar sector to go ahead.
The statement also noted the EU's regret that Fiji's dialogue with the Pacific Islands Forum has been suspended and said it is essential that dialogue resumed as soon as possible.
