28 Nov 2007

Fiji's interim regime rejects it is downplaying Ministry of Fijian Affairs

12:09 pm on 28 November 2007

Fiji's interim regime has strongly rejecting suggestions it is downplaying the importance of the Ministry of Fijian Affairs by redesignating it as a Ministry of Indigenous Affairs.

The Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, Parmesh Chand, says Fijian Affairs will remain a ministry, but will be renamed and included in the Prime Minister's portfolio.

He says the change will result in a different emphasis:

"The name change is to better focus the ministry on issues, concerns and plight of indigenous Fijians in issues affecting national development in so far as that ministry is concerned."

The Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, Parmesh Chand.