Rethink sanctions says Bishop

Submitted by TemoL on Tue, 12/04/2011 - 7:22am

In order for Fiji to have elections in 2014, a new constitution and electoral system needs to be in place and Australia should support this.

That is the sentiment of Australian Liberal Deputy Leader Julie Bishop as she calls on the Australian Government to rethink their sanctions placed against Fiji.

Bishop said Australia needs to rethink whether the travel restrictions are working, adding that this would show other Pacific island nations that Australia is prepared to assist.

Reacting to Australia’s lobbying for military intervention in Libya, Bishop said that Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd has taken his eye off the ball and instead should focus on encouraging a return to democracy in Fiji.

Meanwhile the sanctions had also resulted in top players from the national 7s team missing out on taking part in the Australia 7s tournament where Fiji bombed out in the Plate semi finals.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald