The People's Coalition Government should not come back to power, believes the interim regime Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase.

Speaking at the USP yesterday, Qarase told the audience that indigenous Fijians must be in control of the government in Fiji. This was because of the perception that their lack of control will see their interests not being protected. Qarase ignored the fact that 12 out of the 18 cabinet members in the People's Coalition were ethnic Fijians].

The speech came on Fiji's Independence Day holiday.

Where on the one hand, Qarase called for prayers for unity and reconciliation to mark the Independence Day, on the other, he tells another audience on the same day that he and his band will have 'unity and reconciliation' only on their terms - that the People's Coalition does not lead again, and that ethnic Indians and general voters, comprising about half of Fiji's population, be excluded from political decision making in the country.

People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands
Disclaimer
Webmaster
Last update: August 27, 2001