Statement by PM Bainimarama in response to Ratu Inoke Takiveikata
Aug 27, 2007, 17:00

The Interim Government will pursue initiatives and programmes aimed at creating an atmosphere of dialogue and consensus building at its own pace rather than it being influenced by individuals or organizations who are trying to hoodwink the public and conceal their past through their grandstanding ideas and proposals.

These are the comments of Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, Prime Minister, as the Office of the Prime Minister issued a statement today in response to the paid advertisement by Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, the Qaranivalu.

Commodore Bainimarama said that the Interim Government has already put out for public consultations a proposal for formation of a National Council for Building a Better Fiji (NCBBF).

One of the deliverables of the NCBBF is to put out a Charter for Change and Progress through wide ranging consultations. The overall objective of the proposal is to re-build Fiji into a non-racial, culturally-vibrant and united, well-governed, truly democratic nation that seeks progress and prosperity through merit based equality of opportunity and peace.

This initiative also complements H.E, the President’s Mandate to the Interim Government.

Mr. Bainimarama said that it would have been more appropriate for Ratu Inoke Takiveikata to respond to the Interim Government’s proposal rather than put out a paid advertisement with ulterior motives.

He reiterated that the Interim Government is all for dialogue, consensus building and reconciliation. These however, are virtues which need to be promoted and embraced by people who are sincere and genuine at heart, rather than those interested in self promotion and personal gains.

Commodore Bainimarama assured that the Interim Government is serious about these issues and is working tirelessly to seek wide ranging views, make improvements as necessary and proceed with implementation of a comprehensive proposal which would really bring about the required changes for building of a progressive and better Fiji for all.

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No:1279