Representatives from several Commonwealth nations have agreed to support Fiji’s reinstatement to the Commonwealth.

At a meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, foreign ministers welcomed Fiji’s progress in the areas of voter registration and constitutional consultation.

“CMAG reiterated its commitment to supporting and encouraging Fiji’s reinstatement as a full member of the Commonwealth family, through the restoration of civilian constitutionaldemocracy.”

– CMAG Concluding Statement

But the group, which is made up of a revolving group foreign ministers of member states, also expressed concern about restrictions on human rights and the rule of law in Fiji.

“[Ministers] urged the Government of Fiji to address these, in order to create the environment necessary for credible constitutional consultations and elections,” CMAG said in a statement.

The statement also said the ministers had reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s readiness to provide assistance to Fiji and encourage “further high-level interactions between the Commonwealth and Fiji”.