India may discuss Fiji with Australia

By C. Raja Mohan

NEW DELHI, JULY 9. The latest developments in Fiji are expected to figure in the talks here tomorrow between the Indian and Australian Prime Ministers. The Australian Prime Minister, Mr. John Howard, is arriving here tomorrow for consultations with the Government on a broad range of issues of bilateral interest.

Both Australia and India have in the recent weeks strongly demanded the release of the hostages in Fiji and the restoration of the civilian Government under the multi-racial Constitution of 1997. There was no formal reaction here from the Government on reports of an accord to release hostages in Fiji on Thursday. India is unlikely to be satisfied with any political arrangement that would not fully respect the rights of the Indian minority in Fiji.

India and Australia have a significant role in getting the Commonwealth and the international community to apply pressure on Fiji to return to the 1997 Constitution. As leading members of the Commonwealth, India and Australia are strongly committed to promoting democracy and good governance among the member-States. Fiji has already been suspended from the Councils of Commonwealth.

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