10 Jun 2002

Talks between Fiji's top two political leaders has failed to reach agreement

8:20 am on 10 June 2002

A weekend of talks between Fiji's top two political leaders has failed to reach agreement on a multi party Cabinet.

But the Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, and the Fiji Labour Party leader, Mahendra Chaudhry have agreed to await the Supreme Court ruling on the issue and accept its decision as final.

The talks heard that there was a need for a more inclusive government which would represent a broader section of society.

Mr Qarase proposed the formation of a multi ethnic government because a multi party cabinet would have too many constraints.

He said the other option was for the Labour party to form the opposition.

Mr Chaudhry rejected both options adding that there was no prescription for a multi ethnic government.

Both parties agreed that talks on the components of the Cabinet would continue after the Supreme Court ruling.

A joint committee would be formed to carry forward discussions on land lease matters, while minor amendments to the 1997 Constitution would be dealt with first before participation form all parties is invited to make major changes.