Tongan king's illness could shift forum to Fiji

Tonga has asked that another venue be found for the annual meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum it was due to host in October, because of the failing health of its monarch.

The Prime Minister's office in Nuku'alofa plans to make an official announcement on the request today.

It is being prompted by heightened concern that King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV is nearing the end of his reign.

Should the 88-year-old die, the country will go into a period of mourning, which restricts some activities.

King Tupou remains in Mercy Hospital, Auckland, where his condition has stabilised after fears last week he was close to death.

Tongan Prime Minister Fred Sevele interrupted television and radio broadcasts to ask Tongans to start praying for the King.

Dr Sevele said on Friday he would discuss with members of the Pacific Forum this week the implications of the King's passing if it should come close to the time of the scheduled October 23-26 annual meeting.

Yesterday, the Herald was told that a new venue would be sought and Fiji was the most likely option.

Lopeti Senituli, political adviser to Dr Sevele, said a statement would be released today with official comment from the forum's chairman, Sir Michael Somare, the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea.

A spokesman for New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said last night that she understood the concerns of the Tongan people for their King's health.

Jioji Kotobalavu, chief executive officer to Fiji's Prime Minister, recently told Radio Australia that such a situation had been discussed informally with Fiji, which was ready to help.

"Even at short notice, we can accommodate the need," he said.

There have been threats by pro-democracy Tongan activists to disrupt this year's forum in Tonga with violent political protests, but that was discounted as a reason for shifting the summit elsewhere.