By Kate Chapman of NZPA

Cairns, Aug 6 NZPA - Pacific leaders, including Prime Minister John Key, today reaffirmed Fiji's suspension from the Pacific Islands Forum saying they were "deeply troubled" by the continued deterioration of democracy in the country.

Mr Key said the members at the leaders' retreat in Cairns were frustrated and maintained a unanimous decision on Fiji's suspension.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said media freedom had been trampled on and church leaders arrested in Fiji.

"Fijians deserve better," he said.

"The forum looks forward to the day when Fiji returns to the democratic forum family."

For now, Fiji will have to be content with being told about how regional free trade negotiations are progressing.

An agreement was made to make progress on Pacer Plus, the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations, and it was decided Fiji would not be involved but would be informed of the situation.

Newly-appointed Fiji Foreign Minister Inoke Kubuabola, speaking in Suva, said the forum's selective invitations to Fiji "as and when it suited them" was a poor reflection on its leadership.

"As an institution established to strengthen regional cooperation and integration among state parties, it is sad to note that it is not only marginalising its own members but fragmenting the very fabric" on which the institution was built, he said.

Fiji was suspended from the forum in May after self-appointed Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama failed to hold elections.

NZPA