17 Jun 2008

Bainimarama and Qarase meet to focus on moving Fiji forward

7:02 pm on 17 June 2008

Fiji's interim prime minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama and the man he ousted out of office in 2006 Laisenia Qarase have met for talks for a second round of talks at the Parliamentary complex in Suva.

A statement after Tuesday evening's meeting said discussions focused on a "number of issues".

These included: the People's charter, a proposed roadmap to change, peace and progress in Fiji and the "healing and reconciliation" process needed for the country.

The meeting between the two leaders was again brokered and presided over the leaders of the Methodist and the Catholic Churches.

Traditional, community, civic and religious leaders were urged by the group to "play an active role in reconciliation attempts.

The four will meet again within the month now that the United Nations and the Commonwealth Secretariat have agreed to facilitate progress dialogues between stakeholders.