COMMONWEALTH SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO VISIT FIJI ISLANDS

Sir Paul Reeves, Special Representative of Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma to the Republic of the Fiji Islands, will arrive in Fiji on 8 September for a two-day visit.
“I welcomed Commodore Bainimarama’s invitation for a Commonwealth delegation to visit Fiji, and fully support this opportunity for my Special Representative to engage with the Interim Government to promote an early restoration of constitutional democracy in the country in line with Commonwealth principles”, Mr Sharma said.
Sir Paul’s visit follows an invitation from Commodore Bainimarama in early August for a Commonwealth delegation to visit Fiji. Sir Paul will explore opportunities for continued Commonwealth engagement in support of an inclusive and time-bound national political dialogue, to facilitate the return of constitutional democracy.
Sir Paul’s visit follows the full suspension of Fiji from the Commonwealth on 1 September 2009, in accordance with the decision of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) of 31 July. The visit is a reflection of the Secretary-General’s and CMAG’s stated commitment to continue engaging with Fiji to promote the restoration of Commonwealth principles, and enduring adherence to them.
Sir Paul will meet with the Interim Prime Minister and other senior functionaries of the regime. He hopes also to meet other key stakeholders.
Sir Paul will be accompanied by two senior officials from the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Source: Commonwealth Secretariat