Fiji kept out of games

Commonwealth leaders meeting in Trinidad have rejected a bid to allow Fiji to take part in the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi next year despite being suspended.

The bid was made by Malaysia but was thought to have no other support.

Prime Minister John Key said he spoke against the proposal, telling other leaders that "it would undermine the Commonwealth brand and you'll undermine the Pacific leaders who are family trying to stick together to resolve this issue".

Nigeria was banned from the Commonwealth Games after it was suspended in 1995 but was readmitted in 1999.

Fiji was suspended on September 1 after a pledge to hold elections by the militarily installed Government was not acted on.