SUVA, Fiji Islands (PINA Nius) \u2014 Australia and New Zealand have both agreed to help with Fiji’s general elections in August.<\/p>\n
The elections will return Fiji to parliamentary government after last year’s coup crisis.<\/p>\n
Public Affairs Officer at the Australian High Commission, Dennis Rounds, yesterday confirmed Canberra’s willingness to help.<\/p>\n
“The High Commission will be holding talks shortly with the Electoral Office to determine what is the most appropriate form of assistance,” he said.<\/p>\n
A decision on what exactly Australia will provide will be taken by the Australian government after discussions,” he said.<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
Prime Minister John Howard’s government offered the assistance in response to a request made by the Caretaker Government.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“We are having discussions with various people, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Caretaker Government,” he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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