2 Jun 2007

Return of Qarase to Suva insignificant - says Fiji's interim PM

8:00 am on 2 June 2007

Fiji interim prime minister, Commodore Bainimarama, says the return of Laisenia Qarase to the mainland is an insignificant issue for his administration.

Commodore Bainimarama's comments follow the lifting of the Public Emergency Regulations.

Mr Qarase has been on his home island in the Lau Group since he fled Suva after the military takeover.

The SDL party would like him to return with its national director, Peceli Kinivuwai, telling Fiji TV that the military needs to tell the people of Fiji that if Mr Qarase sets foot in Suva, they would not bother him.

Mr Qarase says he will need to consult with his lawyers on the lifting of the Public Emergency Decree.

Referring to his legal case against the military takeover, Mr Qarase says the time is coming closer when he will have to return.