Fiji, not leader, issued invitation to Japan's PALM
Updated
Japan has issued an invitation to Fiji's Ambadassador in Tokyo to represent the country at the Pacific Island Leaders Meeting, PALM 5, later this month. The invitation comes after the announcement by Japan's Department of Foreign Affairs of a ban on Interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and Cabinet members from the meeting.
Japanese officials are concerned about Fiji's human rights record since the 2006 coup - as well as the recent sacking of the judiciary and dumping of the constitution. Australia will attend the PALM meeting for the first time and is yet to nominate a delegate. Spokesman for Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yasuhisa Kawamura explains why Commodore Bainimarama is not invited to the meeting.
Presenter: Geraldine Coutts
Speaker: Yasuhisa Kawamura, Spokesman for the Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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