5 Jun 2002

Fiji prime minister to meet FLP leader Chaudhry to discuss national issues

6:26 am on 5 June 2002

Fiji's prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, and the Labour Party leader, Mahendra Chaudhry, will meet in Suva today to discuss national issues.

A government spokesman says the talks will focus on land, in particular new legislation the government wants for the leasing of indigenous farm land.

Mr Qarase has said he wants to introduce laws to replace the current Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Act in the July session of parliament.

Land laws are entrenched legislation under Fiji's constitution and will need the support of at least some members of the Labour Party to be passed in parliament.

Fiji TV says government plans for a review of the 1997 constitution would be part of today's talks which could also include a government of national unity.

Today's talks come ahead of this weekend's informal talks between Mr Qarase and Mr Chaudhry arranged by the Hawaii-based East-West Center.