The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) on the Harare Declaration has held an extraordinary meeting in London at which it directed the interim government of Fiji to protect and promote the fundamental values and principles of the Commonwealth in the interest of its people.
The meeting held on July 31, recalled that at its previous meeting on March 4, 2009, deplored the fact that Fiji remained in contravention of Commonwealth values and principles; that CMAG call for the interim government to adhere to its March 2009 deadline for holding elections had not been heeded.
A press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration on the meeting said the CMAG also noted that the interim government had not indicated an alternative date for the elections.
The meeting noted that the CMAG reaffirmed the engagement of the Commonwealth in Fiji and that it would continue to be directed at promoting and protecting the interest of the people.
The release said the Group further recalled its decision in March that, should significant progress not made by the Fiji towards a return to democracy, "Fiji would be fully suspended from the Commonwealth at the Group's next regular meeting in September 2009.
Ghana's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni attended the meeting, which was chaired by Datuk Anifah Aman, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia.
Also at the meeting were the Foreign Ministers of Namibia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, St. Lucia, Uganda and Mr Ivan Lewis Minister of State in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, United Kingdom.