Sydney, Aug 6 (DPA) Leaders gathered in Australia for the annual Pacific Islands Forum Thursday endorsed Fiji's suspension from the 16-member grouping and called for concerted action on climate change at the UN-sponsored Copenhagen summit later this year.

Fiji strongman Frank Bainimarama has angered Australia, New Zealand and other forum members by declaring himself interim prime minister, overturning the constitution and postponing parliamentary elections.

'Forum countries are deeply troubled by the continued deterioration in Fiji,' Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said. 'Media freedom is being trampled upon, church leaders are being arrested.'

Bainimarama has ignored worldwide calls to set a date for elections and is unlikely to be troubled by admonishment from the forum.