15 May 2002

Fiji prime minister and Labour Party to hold talks

3:37 am on 15 May 2002

Fiji's prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, and the Labour Party are to hold talks to discuss their differences.

Mr Qarase has told radio FM-96 that the constitution requires such talks and they cannot be avoided.

He says the talks will be held as soon as the timing is right.

Meanwhile, Mr Qarase has dismissed speculation that the government may call a snap election because of its differences with the Labour Party on the composition of cabinet.

He says the government has a comfortable majority in parliament and does not need to call a snap election.