21 Jun 2005

Fiji's chiefs to act in stand-off between government and military

3:25 pm on 21 June 2005

The Chairman of Fiji's Great Council of Chiefs, Ratu Ovini Bokini, says the President is taking action over the stand-off between the government and the military commander.

Reports in Fiji say the government asked the president to dismiss Commodore Frank Bainimarama from the military because of his continual opposition to the Reconciliation bill.

But Ratu Josefa Iloilo is said to have rejected any such suggestion.

Ratu Ovini says the President can resolve the dispute using traditional means:

"He is doing his part, it's not for me to tell him what to do, what not to do, whether he has done a lot or not, but I am satisfied with what he is doing."

The Chairman of Fiji's Great Council of Chiefs, Ratu Ovini Bokini.