Fiji, Nov. 4 -- Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed disappointment with Parliament's Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence for recommending that ratification of two major agreements with Australia be deferred, signalling that the Government will pursue an alternative parliamentary route to advance the proposed partnerships.

The committee has warned that the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union and the Ocean of Peace Alliance, also known as the Veitacini Treaty, could have significant implications for Fiji's sovereignty, independent foreign policy and national security.

Committee Chairperson Lenora Qereqeretabua said the committee had recommended further negotiations with Australia before the agreements proceed, citing c...