Fiji President Ratu Josefa Iloilo has expressed his disappointment over the lack of support of Fiji's traditional partners as the national council held its first meeting.
The 45-member National Council for Building a Better Fiji is tasked with mapping the way forward for Fiji following the 2006 coup.
Fijilive reports that opening the meeting in Lami, Ratu Josefa said Fiji's partners had not responded to calls for assistance.
He says this means that Fiji's efforts to progress will certainly be constrained.
13 members invited to the council stayed away.
He called on locals who rejected the proposed People's Charter for Change and Progress to show their support through effective dialogue.
