A set of development aid restrictions adopted by the European Union against Fiji two years ago has been extended by a further six months.
An EU statement said the decision followed a meeting of the European Council in Brussels yesterday “in order to assist the country's return to democracy, the respect for human rights and the rule of law”.
The new measures include the $300 million promised by the EU towards restructuring Fiji's ailing sugar industry.
It said the decision followed the “violation by the authorities of key commitments Fiji made to the EU, as well as further regressive developments, such as the abrogation of the Constitution, human rights violations and a further substantial delay in holding elections”.
“The European Union regards the extension of the measures as a window of opportunity for a possible new political dialogue. Should these consultations result in new credible commitments from Fiji, the EU is ready to review its measures positively,” the statement said.
The package of measures was initially adopted on October 1, 2007 for a period of two years.
The development cooperation would “gradually be resumed if Fiji were to fulfil its commitments concerning human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law”.
“As Fiji's authorities have decided to break a number of the commitments, this has led to losses for Fiji in terms of development funds. Humanitarian aid as well as direct support to civil society is not affected by the appropriate measures,” the statement said.
The measures now expire on March 31, 2010.
