The European Union said it will soon begin dialogue with Fiji's interim administration on the political situation.

According to Radio New Zealand Wednesday's report, the head of the EU delegation in Suva, Roberto Rudolphi, said they will engage with the Fiji government irrespective of who holds power.

Fiji's army chief Commodore Bainimarama launched coup on Dec. 5 last year and is now interim Prime Minister. The coup was the fourth since 1987.

Rudolphi said there is no choice but to engage with the interim administration and have dialogue on how the European Union can help move Fiji forward.

He said the last thing Fiji needs is sanctions from the EU which would be a burden on the people and which he hopes can be avoided.

Earlier this week, a statement released by the EU headquarters in Brussels said they would have consultations with the interim administration on reports of alleged human rights abuse by the military and breaches of democratic principles.

The EU commissioner responsible for development and humanitarian aid, Louis Michel, said they hope Fiji's situation can be remedied through consultations and the suspension of EU aid can be avoided.

(Xinhua News Agency January 24, 2007)