Fiji Government

In its Universal Periodic Review report published in December, the United Nations' Human Rights Council called on Fiji to amend its Media Industry Development Decree 2010.

The report also calls for Fiji to avoid "abusive interpretations" of any journalistic publications.

They have conveyed to the government their disappointment at aspects of the media laws," according to the general secretary of the Fiji Media Association, Stanley Simpson.

Overfishing and marine pollution are seen as the main reasons for the decline.

60 percent of people in Fiji live in coastal areas and depend on fish as a source of income and food.

Permanent Secretary Sanaila Naqali the Ministry will work with Fijians to implement good fishing techniques.

It has started on projects aiming to ease some of the pressure on the marine life around the reefs, which is a key source of coastal fish.

Mr Naqali said with the projects in place, fish stocks should become sustainable again.

Last month the Fiji government announced it had banned entire villages from taking part in the Recognised Seasonal Employer ccheme in New Zealand or the similar Australian scheme after complaints from the New Zealand government about misconduct and disorderly behaviour by some Fijian workers.

Now the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Jone Usamate, has met with some of the Fijian workers in this country to " hear their views of the challenges faced."

The team, led by the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), will provide early recovery support in the various sectors, conduct detailed damage assessments, clear debris, and provide assistance with sanitation and hygiene needs.

The Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management, Permanent Secretary, Meleti Bainimarama, said that the deployment of these multiple agencies follows initial assessments by the Office of the Commissioner Northern.

The Minister for Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu said now that the waters have receded, government teams are visiting sites hit by the flooding.

The opposition National Federation Party has called on the government to declare a disaster for areas badly affected.

But Mr Seruiratu said any action will be dictated by assessments being carried out now.

The minister said food security may not be as serious an issue as first thought.

Email correspondence was discovered by an internet shop owner which spoke about ministers in government and Acting Police Commissioner Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho.

The alleged plot came to light after an internet shop owner of Lautoka was allegedly physically abused with a hot rod by police officers in the West.

Speaking to FBC News, Police Commissioner Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho says a team from internal affairs has been sent to the West to investigate.

A Fiji Government delegation attended the Forum's Officials Committee meeting which has been setting the agenda for the leaders' summit next month in Papua New Guinea.

Fiji was suspended from the Forum in 2009 for refusing to return to democracy.

Last year it was re-admitted after the elections but the Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has been stressing he will not attend the summit in Port Moresby.

FBC News reports the roving Pacific Ambassador Litia Mawi saying the re-engagement is strategic to ensure Fiji's position on regional issues is heard.