Delhi, Canberra review Fiji situation

By C. Raja Mohan

NEW DELHI, JULY. 10. India and Australia today reviewed the current political situation in Fiji and agreed to stay in close touch in finding ways to promote a return to constitutional rule there.

The latest developments in Fiji figured prominently in the discussions late this evening here between the visiting Australian Prime Minister, Mr. John Howard, and Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee.

India and Australia had adopted a similar approach to the crisis in Fiji demanding the release of hostages, and a return to rule of law under the 1997 multi-racial constitution.

The two leaders agreed to closely monitor the developments over the next few days, in particular the implementation of the accord between the military and the rebel leader, Mr. George Speight, in the South Pacific island nation.

The two leaders will consult each other in the coming days with a view to developing an effective international strategy to facilitate a return to democratic governance in Fiji.

Mr. Howard's mission to New Delhi had a broader objective of conveying the new political determination in Canberra to elevate bilateral relationship with New Delhi.

Mr. Howard, who arrived here this morning, called on the President, Mr. K. R. Narayanan, and the Vice President, Mr. Krishan Kant. The External Affairs Minister, Mr. Jaswant Singh, met Mr. Howard this afternoon and had a round of consultations on various bilateral, regional and international issues.

The visiting Prime Minister and his Indian interlocutors agreed to put aside the recent bitterness over nuclear issues, and committed themselves to a productive engagement.

Although differences on the nuclear issue remain, the two sides are now focused on building a more broad-based relationship.

Australia is keen to see India sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, and the Government informed Mr. Howard of its efforts to build national consensus on the issue.

While the focus of Mr. Howard's interaction today was on political issues, the emphasis tomorrow will be on economic and commercial cooperation.

Mr. Howard will meet the Finance Minister, Mr. Yashwant Sinha, the Commerce Minister, Mr. Murasoli Maran, and the Minister for Information Technology, Mr. Pramod Mahajan.

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