Aussie PM urges Fiji to return democracy

SYDNEY, June 15 (UPI) -- Australian Prime Minister John Howard called on Pacific nations to pressure Fiji's military government to reinstate democracy.

Howard called for diplomatic pressure on the Fijian military regime, which seized power in a bloodless coup last December.

Speaking after meeting in Sydney with New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, Howard strongly condemned Fiji's expulsion this week of the New Zealand high commissioner in Suva.

"Fiji has to be reminded that its regime is undemocratic, that friendly countries as well as those that have a more formal relationship with Fiji do not approve and want clear evidence of a willingness to return to democracy as soon as possible," Howard said.

"All countries in the Pacific should be willing to express that view," he said.

Clark thanked the Australian government for its solidarity in condemning the expulsion of the high commissioner.

The two prime ministers said they agreed to set up a joint working group on climate change to try and ensure as many common standards as possible in the carbon trading plans of both countries.