Foreign Minister Bob Carr will today travel to Fiji as a member of the Pacific Islands Forum Ministerial Contact Group (MCG) to discuss the restoration of democracy and the rule of law in Fiji.

Senator Carr said members of the MCG will see first-hand how consultation on the constitution and election preparations are progressing in Fiji.

“The Australian Government has welcomed recent positive steps in Fiji towards the restoration of democracy, including the announcement of the constitutional consultation process and the visit by a UN election needs assessment team earlier this month.

“Australia is willing to support the people of Fiji in their efforts to restore democracy and the rule of law,” Senator Carr said.

The Pacific Island Forum MCG meeting in Fiji will be attended by senior Ministers from New Zealand, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Australia.

The MCG will meet with a range of groups and individuals from Fiji's political and civil society including members of the interim Fiji Government, the opposition, academics trade unions and non-government organisations.

The MCG was established by Pacific Island Forum Leaders in March 2008 to monitor developments in Fiji and to liaise with the interim Government on Fiji's return to democracy.

The MCG will report to Pacific Island Forum Leaders at their meeting in the Cook Islands in August.

Media enquiries

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