24 Oct 2008

Fiji's SDL draws line as regime convenes political talks

3:24 pm on 24 October 2008

The ousted SDL political party in Fiji says it is adamant that the interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama will not have his way at next Monday's political forum.

Its director, Peceli Kinivuwai, told the Fiji Times that the party will not tolerate any bullying tactics by the interim Government.

He says the meeting should be fair and square with terms and conditions agreed by all parties.

Mr Kinivuwai also says if the interim Government is planning to negotiate within the bounds of the Charter then the party will have reservations about the meeting.

He said the SDL party is happy that they have a chance to talk to the interim Government and other political parties.

Monday's gathering comes nearly 23 months after the military coup, with no timeline for when an elected government will again be in place.