Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Fiji interim regime stakes out political talk framework

Posted at 04:25 on 22 October, 2008 UTC

The leaders of Fiji’s 16 registered political parties have been forewarned not to attend next Monday’s political forum with a list of demands.

The interim Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, says this is not going to happen.

Speaking to Fijilive, he said Laisenia Qarase and nationalist Iliesa Duvuloco have been speaking to the media about discussing Fiji’s return to elections in 2009, and the constitutionality of the interim regime at the meeting.

But he said he already told leaders at the 63rd UN General Assembly that is not going to happen.

He said if Mr Qarase still insists on 2009 elections, he might as well not come.

He has also added that his interim government will not be dictated to and will do what it believes is right for Fiji.

Commodore Bainimarama says they will only listen to proposals based on the recent High Court judgment on the 2006 coup and the contents of the draft People’s Charter.

He said those political party leaders must read the judgment and the Charter before they come to the meeting.