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Australia, NZ agree to help with Fiji polls
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Posted on Apr 09 2001
SUVA, Fiji Islands (PINA Nius) — Australia and New Zealand have both agreed to help with Fiji’s general elections in August.
The elections will return Fiji to parliamentary government after last year’s coup crisis.
Public Affairs Officer at the Australian High Commission, Dennis Rounds, yesterday confirmed Canberra’s willingness to help.
“The High Commission will be holding talks shortly with the Electoral Office to determine what is the most appropriate form of assistance,” he said.
A decision on what exactly Australia will provide will be taken by the Australian government after discussions,” he said.
Mr. Rounds added that the High Commission would continue to follow with interest political and economic developments in Fiji. “This also includes developments in the run up to the elections.”
Prime Minister John Howard’s government offered the assistance in response to a request made by the Caretaker Government.
New Zealand Deputy High Commissioner Rodger Balls yesterday said they too would provide technical assistance during the elections and if need be would also provide funding.
“We are having discussions with various people, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Caretaker Government,” he said.
