EU extends Fiji sanctions for another 6 months

The European Union extended sanctions against Fiji on Thursday for another six months to press its military leadership to address human rights abuses and restore democracy to the South Pacific island nation.

The European Union extended sanctions against Fiji on Thursday for another six months to press its military leadership to address human rights abuses and restore democracy to the South Pacific island nation.

HT Image

A decision by Fiji's military-led government to delay elections and "further regressive developments" are violations of "key commitments" the country made to the European Union two years ago, the 27-nation bloc said.

The decision means about euro30 million ($44 million) in development aid will remain frozen as well as commitments of euro115 million ($170 million) in EU funds to restructure Fiji's ailing sugar industry. The measures were introduced in 2007.

Fiji has been under military rule since self-appointed Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, the country's armed forces chief, seized power in a 2006 coup. His government had promised elections earlier this year.