Fresh measures to bring Fiji's military government to account will be considered by Pacific leaders meeting in Niue for three days of talks, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says.
Mr Rudd says Fiji's administration has to be held to account over indications it won't honour a commitment made last year to Pacific leaders to hold elections by the end of March next year.
"This community will be discussing what measures will be taken in response to the contempt for democracy that has been reflected in the position by (self-appointed Prime Minister Commodore Frank) Bainimarama," Mr Rudd said.
"I think this is a direct and deliberate slight and snub to the leaders of the Pacific Island countries assembled here in Niue.
"We will be discussing, today and tomorrow, the forum countries' reaction to that.
"The challenge for us in these meetings is to uphold and stand firmly behind that principle of democracy.
"Therefore that means holding to account those who violate that principle." Fiji has been ruled by Commodore Bainimarama since a bloodless coup in December 2006, and after seizing power the regime has been accused of a host of human rights abuses and a crackdown on media freedom.
Although Commodore Bainimarama had promised elections, he has since changed his position, and said they will not go ahead until a "People's Charter" he has championed is accepted.
The charter would usher in big constitutional changes in Fiji, and its implementation would mean elections would be delayed by at least 12-15 months.
Commodore Bainimarama has boycotted the Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting where 15 other regional countries are represented, after claiming his country was being denied travel permits into Auckland after the forum, for bilateral talks.
The dignitaries at the meeting are expected to discuss the issue at tomorrow's leaders' retreat.
Tongan leader Dr Fred Sevele said he was disappointed at Fiji's decision to boycott this week's talks.
"Certainly we would be addressing what the next steps would be," Sevele said.
"He tests the strength and relevance of the forum, and as a consequence we will have to address that very issue tomorrow."
