Fiji facing Commonwealth expulsion

Fiji will face expulsion from the Commonwealth if the military regime does not announce tonight that democratic elections are to take place by October next year.

A spokesman for the Commonwealth Secretary, Eduardo del Buey, said despite a planned trip to Fiji by the Commonwealth's Special Representative, Fiji must meet the deadline.

Former New Zealand Governor General, Sir Paul Reeves, is scheduled to visit Fiji after he received an invitation from the interim government's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama.

Mr del Buey said Sir Paul will visit on or about September 9.

He said the Commonwealth Secretary is finalising dates of Sir Paul's visit now.

- NZ HERALD STAFF