12 Aug 2004

Fiji's chiefs to meet PM over Seniloli role

9:56 am on 12 August 2004

Fiji's Great Council of Chiefs will meet the country's Prime Minister and President to discuss the status of the jailed vice president, Ratu Jope Seniloli.

Radio Fiji says the new chairman of the council, Ratu Ovini Bokini, has confirmed that he's received official legal advice on the issue from the attorney general.

Ratu Ovini wouldn't say when the meeting with the prime minister Laisenia Qarase and President Ratu Josefa Iloilo will take place, adding only that it will be held when the time is right.

He says the Great Council of Chief will decide on a course of action after the meeting.

Seniloli has refused to resign from the vice presidency despite being imprisoned for four years last Friday for agreeing to be sworn in as the usurper president in the 2000 coup.

He continues to receive the full salary and perks of office from behind the bars of Suva prison.