Commonwealth suspends Fiji

Wednesday 02 September 2009 00:00 BST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Commonwealth said yesterday that it had suspended Fiji after the Pacific island nation missed a deadline for opening talks on a return to democracy.

"This is an announcement I make with deep regret – it is a step the Commonwealth is now obliged to take, and one that it takes in sorrow," the secretary general, Kamalesh Sharma, said in a statement announcing Fiji's full suspension from the grouping. Fiji had already been suspended from Commonwealth meetings.

The new sanction means that Fiji is not eligible for technical assistance or Commonwealth sporting events.

In April, Fiji's President reappointed Frank Bainimarama as interim Prime Minister, less than two days after a court ruled his 2006 coup illegal.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

Commonwealth suspends Fiji

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering