24 Apr 2003

Fiji row over links with Taiwan

8:06 pm on 24 April 2003

A row is reported to be brewing between the Fiji Government and the secretariat of the Great Council of Chiefs.

Radio Fiji says the row is centred on an invitation given to the chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs, Ratu Epeli Ganilau, to officially visit Taiwan.

The radio says the Government has questioned the motive behind the visit.

It says the Government believes that the timing of the visit is not right in light of Fiji's one-China policy.

The visit, which was scheduled for this week, has now been delayed.

The radio says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been asked to have another look at the invitation.