28 Feb 2006

Fiji acting head of state to examine row between government and military

7:27 am on 28 February 2006

The latest row between Fiji's military and the government will go before the acting president Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi, today.

Fiji TV reports that the military commander, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, will brief Ratu Joni on why his senior officers have advised him to stop his fortnightly meetings with the prime minister.

A military spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Orisi Rabukawaqa, says the meetings so far this year have been useless.

He says the military's job evaluation and increases in ration and other allowances have all been budgeted for in this year's budget.

But the ministry of finance is not releasing the funds because the minister of home affairs, Josefa Vosanibola, has not signed the necessary papers.

The prime minister Laisenia Qarase says he will await the outcome of the meeting at Government House today.