Australian FM Says Fiji High Court Ruling Doesn't Change Situation

Australia's foreign minister, Stephen Smith, says Fiji's interim leader, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, appears determined to avoid a return to democratic rule. Fiji's High Court has dismissed attempts by ousted prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, to have the 2006 coup ruled illegal. Mr Smith says despite understanding that the former PM may appeal the ruling, it doesn't change the fact that Fiji's interim prime minister is backing away from promises he made. "That doesn't disturb the fundamental point which is Commodore Bainimarama gave a faithful undertaking to the Pacific Island leaders, at the Pacific Island Forum in Tonga in October 2007 that he would have an election by the end of March of next year and regretably he seems to be persisting in a view that he won't be holding that election," he said.
Source: Radio Australia
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/stories/200810/s2387192.htm?tab=pacific