Fiji urged to hold elections soon

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South Pacific nations have urged military-ruled Fiji to hold elections and ensure a swift return to democracy.

Foreign ministers from Australia, New Zealand and four other states in the region met military leader Frank Bainimarama in the capital Suva.

Earlier this year, Mr Bainimarama reneged on a commitment to hold elections by next March.

The military leader, who took power in a coup in 2006, insists Fiji must first reform laws against racial division.

The country is split between native Fijians and descendants of Indian immigrants, and has long been plagued by political instability.

'Constructive'

A delegation including ministers from Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu met Mr Bainimarama on Thursday.

"We have had a very constructive dialogue," said New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully, according to the Fijilive internet news service.

Mr Bainimarama had initially undertaken to hold elections by March, but he now says he wants to introduce a new electoral system first.

Correspondents say that if the polls do not take place as planned, there could be pressure for Fiji to be expelled from Pacific Islands Forum, the main regional grouping.