SUVA (Pacnews) — Fiji stands ready to comply with the demands of the European Union except for the election time table,  now subject to an independent review.
Last week a joint Pacific Islands Forum/Fiji Working Group agreed that an independent team of experts review the 36 months election time frame proposed by the Fiji interim government.
Interim Prime Minister and military chief Frank Bainimarama said Fiji will commit to a new timetable after findings of the independent review team is received.  The team is expected to submit its findings in June.
“We will be willing to review the period of 36 months in the context of the outcome of this independent assessment.” Bainimarama said in a statement in response to the joint discussions with the European Union in Brussels last week.
The interim PM said any commitment made by his ministers would have to be in line with the mandate given by the president, Ratu Josefa Iloilo.
“Everything we do and make commitments on to move the country forward has to link up with that presidential mandate. Based on the reports I have received so far, it however is all forward looking and positive.”
Reaffirming his government’s earlier commitment to fully engage with bilateral partners and international community to expedite Fiji’s economic recovery and rehabilitation, Bainimarama welcomed the EU’s proposal to closely work with the administration and monitor the progress of implementation of the various commitments.
The EU directed the Fijian interim administration to work towards national elections no later than March 2009.
It also demanded that the rule of law be restored and that political rights of all citizens in Fiji are respected equally and on the basis of Fiji’s constitution.
Among these are the recognition of the independence of the Great Council of Chiefs and the judiciary.
The EU has assured that it wishes to deepen political dialogue with Fiji to ensure the earliest possible restoration of respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law.