THE GOVERNMENT, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade says that there is no ‘break down’ of talks between the Governments of Fiji and Solomon Islands over the current airlines impasse.
This follows media report by this paper on Wednesday and in the Island Sun on Friday.
In a statement yesterday, the Ministry said the talks in Suva were the first of its kind as a means of consultation provided for under an existing 1990 government to government Air Services Agreement between Fiji and Solomon Islands.
“This consultation provision purports to enable the parties to discuss on any related issues arising thereto and any changes wanting by a party to propose and discuss with the other at any relevant time.
“The process of consultation was dis-continued by Solomon Islands for reason that there is need for further consultation between the Government of Solomon Islands and relevant stakeholders such as the Solomon Airlines and the Civil Aviation Authority on issues arising during the first talks in Suva recently.
“The consultation is prone to continue as both governments have expressed keen interest to resolve the impasse amicably,” the statement said.
Following a de-brief by the team that went to the first consultation in Suva with relevant stakeholders in Honiara on Monday 10 November 2014, the Government, the Solomon Airlines and the Civil Aviation Authority are consulting and addressing issues raised and will liaise closely with the Solomon Islands High Commission in Fiji in working towards resolving the matter.
The Air Service Agreement provides that both Governments can consult from time to time and this is the channel for talks between the parties that will be used for further discussions on issues relating to the airlines impasse.
