Commonwealth reaffirms Fiji suspension

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Australia's Foreign Minister Stephen Smith says Fiji should take steps to be included in the Commonwealth again. [ABC TV]

Last Updated: Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:46:00 +1100

The Australian Government says it's pleased Commonwealth leaders have reaffirmed the decision to suspend Fiji from the Commonwealth.

The leaders meeting in Trinidad and Tobago have urged Fiji to quickly restore civil democracy and ensure the protection of human rights.

Australia's Foreign Minister Stephen Smith says Fiji should take steps to be included in the Commonwealth again.

"There's one very quick way for Fiji to get itself back into the Commonwealth and to go for example to the Commonwealth Games and that's to have an election and return democracy, respect for human rights and respect for the rule of law to Fiji," he said.

"I remain open at an appropriate stage to trying to have a dialogue with Fiji to effect that."