Issue No: 567; 9 March 2001

Tarakinikini's earlier appointment attracted much controversy both in Fiji and at the UN. Senior civil servants in Fiji had reportedly asked the UN to reconsider the reported appointment on grounds of Tarakinikini's involvement in the May 19 attempted coup and the November 2 mutiny. The reported appointment was withdrawn by the UN. The Fiji military stated that investigations in Tarakinikini's role, as well as the roles of other persons were continuing but that Tarakinikini was free to take up the UN job. He, however, was required to present himself to the military when the military needed to question him further. Laisenia Qarase had personally written to the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan demanding that Tarakinikini be given the job.

The report of the new appointment has been hailed the Prime Minister's office.