To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations she has made on the restoration of democracy to the authorities in Fiji; what representations she has made on the case for elections to be held; and what discussions she has held with the (a) British high commission, Suva and (b) British high commissioner, Canberra. (114203)

On 5 December 2006 we issued a press statement condemning the military coup in Fiji and calling for a return to democracy as quickly as possible. A full copy of the statement can be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website at:

http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029391638&a=KArticle&aid=l163678514483

On 29 December 2006 we issued a further statement following reports of human rights abuses committed by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), urging the RFMF to respect their citizens’ human rights and reiterating a call for a return to democracy.

We have made no representations for elections to be held, but have urged the military, and the interim government, to return to democracy as quickly as possible.

We continue to discuss the situation in Fiji with our high commissions in Suva, Canberra and Wellington on a regular basis. We are also liaising closely with our EU partners and the Governments of Australia, New Zealand and the US in support of efforts to bring about a restoration of democracy and constitutional government in Fiji.