1 Aug 2006

Attempt to heal split in Fiji Labour Party caucus fails

10:15 am on 1 August 2006

An attempt to heal the split in the Fiji Labour Party within its caucus is reported to have failed.

The Daily Post says some FLP MPs and cabinet ministers made the attempt when the caucus met at the start of a new session of the House of Representatives yesterday.

The newspaper says the move for peace was made by a group of MPs who believe the rift could destroy the party.

Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry as well as those facing disciplinary action by him - cabinet ministers Krishna Datt and Poseci Bune, MPs Felix Anthony and Agni Deo Singh, and former senator Dr Atu Emberson Bain - met face to face during the caucus meeting.

One of Labour's cabinet ministers, Chaitanya Lakshman, is said to have initiated the peace move.

But Mr Chaudhry and supporters are reported to have said the matter should go to the disciplinary body, the national council, for a final resolution.

Mr Chaudhry himself is quoted as saying he will tell his side of the story at a media conference today.