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Asia and Oceania
Fiji |
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Last reviewed: 11 September 2009 |
Country information
International relations
Relations with neighbours
Fiji has been an active member of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). The PIF Secretariat is based in Suva, as are most of the specialist regional organisations and regional offices of several international organisations (UNDP, ILO, ICRC, etc).
On 27 January 2009 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders agreed to the imposition of 'targeted measures' against Fiji unless it nominated an election date by 1 May 2009 and holds that election by the end of December 2009. Following the current government's failure to meet the PIF Leaders' requirements and in light of the abrogation of the constitution, dismissal of the judiciary and curtailment of press freedom, the PIF decided - on 2 May 2009 - to suspend Fiji with immediate effect.
Relations with the international community
Fiji is a member of the UN, and supplies troops to take part in peacekeeping operations world-wide (including Iraq and Sinai). Fiji is a member of the ACP (Africa, Caribbean & Pacific) grouping. Fiji is currently a suspended member of the Commonwealth, effective from 01 September 2009.
Relations with the UK
The UK is working to promote Fiji's early return to full democracy and compliance with international standards of good governance, human rights and the rule of law. A range of projects are funded through the High Commission in support of these aims, alongside projects supporting environment and climate change. No assistance is given to the Interim Government.
UK military assistance
Approximately 2,100 Fiji nationals serve in the British Army. A smaller number of Fiji civilians also serve in the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. All military assistance to Fiji (such as the training of Fiji Army cadets at Sandhurst or limited participation of the Fiji military in other programmes) ceased following the 2006 take-over.
Recent visits
HRH Prince of Wales visited Fiji in March 2005 and the following month, HE The President attended the wedding of HRH Prince of Wales. The Vice President, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi, visited the UK in May 2006. HRH The Princess Royal visited Fiji in July 2006 while deputising for Prince Philip who is patron of the Emerging Pacific Leaders Dialogue.
