23 Dec 2006

Fiji's military commander to meet delegation from Great Council of Chiefs next week

10:17 am on 23 December 2006

Fiji's military commander, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, has agreed to meet a delegation from the country's Great Council of Chiefs next week.

That's despite the military earlier saying the Commodore would not the meet the council because it doesn't recognise it.

The council, which has been meeting for three days, says it has come up with a plan it believes could resolve the political crisis.

There are reports in Fiji's media that this includes calling on the ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase to resign, saying military action has rendered his government ineffective.

Mr Qarase told Fiji TV last night that he was amenable to the request, but he had to consult his party.

The Fijilive website says the council also urged the military regime to recognise that executive authority remains with the president, Ratu Iloilo.