Fiji rejects demands to return to civilian rule

Fiji's military-led Government has rejected demands from its South Pacific neighbours that it return the country to civilian rule within two years, saying elections cannot be held for at least three.

Pacific Islands Forum stated last week demanded Fiji hold elections within 18 months to two years, and that its military rulers return to their barracks and hand power over to a civilian interim Government.

Foreign Minister Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said the Government would hold further talks with forum representatives to provide evidence why elections could not be held sooner.