The Wire

The 39th Pacific Islands Forum kicked off today on the tiny island state of Niue near Tonga but without its usual participant Fiji. Prime Minster Kevin Rudd says Fiji’s boycott of the Forum is unacceptable, a call echoed by many other participants. Since a military coup in 2006, Fiji has been under the rule of self-appointed Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama who has repeatedly delayed the date for fresh elections. The remaining 15 members are expected to discuss how to restore democracy in Fiji. Prime Minster Rudd will focus on a scheme to bring seasonal workers to Australia but advocacy groups say that Health is another important issue that should be tackled.