Islands Business - New Zealand reiterates offer to Fiji to help it restore democracy, sanctions eased

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (RNZI) ---- The New Zealand Prime Minister has reiterated his Government’s offer to help the Fiji interim regime restore democracy. John Key told the Institute of Foreign Affairs in Wellington it’s critical the country’s leader, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, engages with all the relevant stakeholders in Fiji, including other political parties. Mr Key said that New Zealand’s prepared to give Fiji personnel and financial assistance to help restore democracy. “We just hope that Frank Bainimarama will honour his commitment to holding elections in 2014 and New Zealand’s prepared to give Fiji whatever support they might need in terms of personnel or financial assistance.” Meanwhile, Mr Key said New Zealand’s in a state of sorrow rather than anger over its current position regarding Fiji. He told the Institute of Foreign Affairs in Wellington New Zealand led the charge at the recent Pacific Islands Forum to include Fiji in PACER Plus talks on greater economic unity in the region. Mr Key also said New Zealand has reduced the ban on Fiji sporting teams travelling to New Zealand and the only sanctions that remain are on travel by Fijian administration members and their immediate family. “My government has tried to reach out and offer the hand of friendship to Fiji. We want to see democracy restored there and we are working very aggressively to make that happen.”