Sourced from Fijivillage.com - Speaking in Auckland during biannual talks with his New Zealand counterpart Winston Peters, the discussions were dominated by the political situation in Fiji and its faltering economy.

Downer said that whether Commander Bainimarama attends or not is a matter for host Tonga and Bainimarama, but he contends the view throughout the Forum was that it would be better if he did not come.

However, Pacific Island Nations have not issued any statements regarding the Fiji Interim Prime Minister attending the October meeting. Downer gave no source for his claim.