World

Commonwealth Ready to Suspend Fiji

by Barbara McPherson | September 1, 2009 at 08:46 am

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Fiji dictator Frank Bainimarama is facing increasing pressure from the 53 member Commonwealth which appears ready to suspend Fiji from its organization. Spokesman for the Commonwealth Eduardo del Buey has stated that Suva has until midnight to respond.

Spokesman Eduardo del Buey said Tuesday the group is waiting for a response from Fiji's interim government. The government in Suva has until midnight local time to respond.

In July, the Commonwealth said the Fijian government must promise to resume dialogue with the country's opposition or face being cut off from all aid from the group and banned from the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

The democratic government in Fiji was suspended in 2006 when now Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama took over. Since then, the military has been in control of the South Pacific country. Elections have been promised but not materialized. Allegations of censorship have been levelled at Frank Bainimarama's government and some.foreign journalists have been escorted out of the country.
The Commonwealth is an association of countries that were formerly part of the British Empire and are made up of the United Kingdom and former colonies and possessions.
Other communities of nations have censored the present military government of Fiji. NP Article: Fiji Suspended from Pacific Forum

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