|
 SUVA, Fiji (AP) - The military leader who seized power in Fiji in December said Tuesday he tentatively agrees that elections could be held earlier than previously planned, a concession to nations pushing for a swift return to democracy.
But Commodore Frank Bainimarama warned that sanctions imposed by foreign governments have sent his country's economy spiraling downward, and this is threatening to hobble progress toward elections.
The European Union has threatened to cut subsidies supporting Fiji's key sugar industry if Bainimarama does not move faster to restore democracy. Australia, New Zealand and the United States also have imposed sanctions and are putting pressure on the regime.
|