Issue No: 785; 22 May 2001

The resolution to this effect was passed by the leaders of all major political parties which met over the weekend to discuss unity in Fiji.

Other resolution passed at the `Talanoa' called for dialogue amongst all political leaders, and the resolution of the land-lease problems. The full set of resolutions passed are:

1. We see an urgent need for dialogue among the leaders of all political parties before and after the general election.

2. We recommend political parties, religious organizations, NGOs, Indigenous Fijian institutions, police and military forces, business enterprises and associations publicly reaffirm their commitment to accept the results of the general elections and to adhere to the rule of law.

3. We recommend that before the general election, political parties agree to a review of the constitution, and a post-election mechanism be established by Parliament for the review. The constitution review needs to be completed and the outcome finalized during the lifetime of that Parliament.

4. We recommend that before the general election, political parties agree to establish a mechanism, through Parliament, to urgently resolve land-lease arrangements.

5. We recommend the leaders should work together to ensure the resource owners gain an equitable share of the benefits derived form the use of their resources. We call for an in-depth, broad-based assessment to enable Indigenous Fijians to realize fully opportunities arising from the utilisation of their resources.

6. We recommend that within one year of the commencement of Parliament, a commission be established to foster good governance, good inter-ethnic relations, and respect and understanding among all cultures in Fiji.

7. We recommend the leaders of political parties agree before the election that the Prime Minister consider forming an all-inclusive multi-party government of national unity, which reflects the multicultural makeup of Fiji society.

8. We recommend that leaders make it a priority to reduce the economic gap between the "haves" and "have-nots" in all communities.

9. We recommend the formation of an independent and neutral Commission for Truth and Reconciliation to advance justice, healing and forgiveness.

10. We recommend that during the preparation for the next election, the political parties make special efforts to educate and familiarize the voters about content of the constitution.

11. We recommend that the leaders of political parties, in their preparation before the election and their conduct afterwards, act with honesty, flexibility, trustworthiness, tolerance, broadmindedness, and with a commitment to constitutional processes.

12. We recommend the principles and understandings set forth in Talanoa I and II be included as basic principles and understandings of a common structure for building national unity and stability before and after the forthcoming general election.