Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) to Discuss Fiji Islands Crisis

Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon has called a special meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group on the Harare Declaration (CMAG) to discuss recent developments in Fiji Islands. The meeting will take place on Tuesday 6 June 2000 at Marlborough House, London.  

Mr McKinnon, who met with the then President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, the rebel leader George Speight, Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and other hostages last week in Fiji Islands, said: 

I have been following closely developments in Fiji Islands since the crisis began on 19 May leading to the military takeover in that country. As I indicated in my earlier statements, the unconstitutional overthrow of any democratically elected government within the Commonwealth is unacceptable to the association and calls for the provisions of the Millbrook Commonwealth Action Programme to be applied immediately. 

CMAG comprises foreign ministers from Australia, Bangladesh, Barbados, Botswana, Canada, Malaysia, Nigeria and the United Kingdom.  

Note to Editors:

A press conference is scheduled to take place at 16.30 on 6 June, immediately following the CMAG meeting. For confirmation of the time and venue, or for further information, please contact Ms Mischa Manderson Mills (tel +44 20 7747 6385) or Mr Mwambu Wanendeya (tel +44 20 7747 6382).