4 Aug 2007

Fiji Great Council of Chiefs' suspension revoked

9:35 am on 4 August 2007

Fiji's interim government has revoked its order suspending the Great Council of Chiefs and sacking some of its members.

The revocation follows talks between the interim minister for Fijian affairs, Ratu Epeli Ganilau, and representatives of the sacked chiefs.

The decision has led to the chiefs withdrawing their legal action against the government challenging their sacking.

High Court Judge Justice Filimoni Jitoko has agreed to the case being terminated.

With the Great Council of Chiefs reverting to its former status, the chiefs are now expected to hold their first meeting since April later this month.

The Great Council was suspended after a majority of its members refused to endorse President's Iloilo's nomination of Ratu Epeli Nailatikau as vice president.