PORT OF SPAIN - Fiji has been banned from participating in next year’s Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, as it has failed to comply with fundamental Commonwealth values.

The decision was announced in a communiqué at the conclusion of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago.

“The leaders of the 53 Commonwealth nations expressed deep concern at the further deterioration of the situation in Fiji Islands with regard to its adherence to fundamental Commonwealth values, including the abrogation of the Constitution in April 2009, ongoing restrictions on human rights including freedom of speech and assembly, and the interim government’s decision to further delay elections until 2014,” News.com.au quoted a CHOGM statement, as saying.

Fiji was suspended from the Commonwealth on September 1, after self-appointed Fijian leader Frank Bainimarama refused to hold elections by 2010.

The CHOGM leaders “observed that Commonwealth sporting events represent a significant public demonstration of the unity of the Commonwealth as a family of members with a shared commitment to fundamental values”.

“They affirmed that sporting ties under the Commonwealth name are inseparable from the values of the (Commonwealth Games) Association.” (ANI)