(B) Who Owns the (Pacific Is.) Forum?

Read what its former Director of Economic Governance, Dr Roman Gynberg, had to say in a major article in the Fiji Times 9 March 2009. He starts by looking at the Forum's history, and the momentous decision on whether or not to include Australia and New Zealand, and concludes that even with all its warts the Islands still need the Forum. [Implicit comment suggests A and NZ may also need the Forum.] In between, he argues that Australia and New Zealand set the economic and political agenda -- not infrequently in their favour. Is the Forum "a place where free nations can exchange their views openly ...?" He doubts it.