11 Jan 2005

Fiji's new vice-president sworn in

11:17 am on 11 January 2005

Fiji's new vice-president has taken up office promising to promote unity, reconciliation and human rights.

Bau high chief and former High Court judge, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi, says these are some of the issues he believes in.

Ratu Joni succeeds Ratu Jope Seniloli and will serve the remainder of his term.

Seniloli resigned in November last year when he was prematurely released from prison after he had served only three months of a four year jail sentence.

He was convicted of taking an illegal oath to become the usurper president during the coup.

Seniloli has now retired on a tax-free vice-presidential pension.