Melanesians keen to help Fiji: Dr John Roughan

A Solomon Islands Government official says Melanesian nations deplore the loss of democracy in Fiji, but are ready to help the military-led government.

Senior officials from members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group comprising Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu met Fiji foreign ministry representatives in Suva last week to discuss the post-coup situation.

One of the officials, secretary to the Solomon Islands Cabinet Dr John Roughan, described the MSG's position.

"Decrying the idea that things can be corrected by undemocratic means but at the same time saying, look, we're behind you, we're with you, can we help, where can we help, how can we help?' And that kind of message went out very clearly and very well," he told Radio New Zealand International.

Dr Roughan says a meeting of MSG foreign ministers could follow next month.

Source: Fiji Times