EU to Take Steps Over Fiji Situation

The European Union (EU) said Tuesday that it will consider "appropriate measures" if Fiji rebels do not fulfill the conditions put forward by the EU.

The EU said it "deplores the deposing of President (Kamisese) Mara and the replacement of Mr. (Mahendra) Chaudhry's democratically elected government and is outraged by the repeal of the 1991 Constitution."

While welcoming the safe release of all the hostages, the EU said it remains concerned at the development of the situation in Fiji, "which is still unconstitutional, unstable and precarious."

The 15-nation European bloc said it is essential that the rule of law be restored and that the political rights of all elements of the Fijian nation be respected on the basis of a "democratic constitution and a government elected democratically."

"The European Union will consider appropriate measures if these conditions are not fulfilled as soon as possible and may well be obliged to review its policy towards Fiji, particularly as regards development cooperation - should the democratic rule of law not be restored," the bloc said in a presidency declaration.

The current holder of the six-month EU rotating presidency is France, which started from July 1.

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