Fiji's president, Ratu Josefa Iloilo, has launched the interim administration's People's Charter for Change and Progress designed to move the country forward after the overthrow of the Qarase government.
President Iloilo has named the interim prime minister, Commodore Bainimarama, and the head of the Roman Catholic Church in Fiji, Archbishop Petero Mataca, as co-chairs of a 40 member National Council for Building a Better Fiji.
The National Council will comprise 26 members from non-government organisations and 14 from the interim administration.
President Iloilo says the aim of the People's Charter is to rebuild Fiji into a non-racial, culturally vibrant and united, as well as a well governed and truly democratic nation that seeks progress and prosperity through merit-based equality of opportunity and peace.
As well, President Iloilo says he wants the draft of the People's Charter to be ready before October next year ahead of the planned general elections.
Commodore Bainimarama says that as co-chair of the National Council, he will follow the president's wishes and ensure that there is room for negotiation with those currently opposing the People's Charter.
