13 Jan 2006

Fiji top talks to resume on Monday

4:49 pm on 13 January 2006

The Fiji prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, says he will meet the military commander, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, on Monday for discussions about the continued stand-off between the government and the military leadership.

This comes after Mr Qarase today held talks with the Acting President, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi, and the Minister for Home Affairs, Josefa Vosanibola, who deals with army matters.

In a statement, he appealed for calm after some media warned that Fiji could face another coup.

It says the discussions will concentrate on what is best for the country and the need for an environment free of fear and uncertainty.

Mr Qarase stressed the importance of the rule of law and the need for independence of the police and the prosecutors in dealing with those implicated in the 2000 coup.

Commodore Bainimarama has been staunch in opposing calls for amnesty for coup-plotters.