US,Australia drop sanctions against Fiji

The US and Australia have removed sanctions against Fiji following democratic elections last month in the South Pacific nation. Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop on Friday began a two-day visit to Fiji and announced that Australia had lifted all remaining sanctions, including the sale of weapons. ‘My visit demonstrates the Australian govt’s commitment to taking our relationship with Fiji into a new era of partnership and prosperity,’’ she said. US ambassador to Fiji Frankie Reed said her govt was lifting restrictions on financial assistance to the Fijian govt.

Reed said in a statement it was also exploring opportunities to resume engaging with Fiji’s military, including in training exercises and in cooperating on issues of global concern. ‘We appreciate the contributions that Fiji makes to international peace and security through its commitments to peacekeeping operations, as well as the central role that Fiji plays in contributing to the peace and prosperity of the Pacific region,’’ Reed said.