published 4 February 2001

Media release
FLP Parliamentary Caucus Meeting
3 February 2001

The FLP Parliamentary Caucus met at Sigatoka today and discussed recent developments in Fiji.

The Caucus discussed and endorsed the idea of a Government of National Unity under the provisions of the 1997 Constitution. It also endorsed the Management Board's recommendation of a 7-member Committee to spearhead discussions with the President and others on a political settlement in Fiji. The Committee comprises Party Leader Hon Mahendra Chaudhry, Party President Jokapeci Koroi, Vice-President Dr. Tupeni Baba, Krishna Datt,, Pratap Chand, Anand Singh and Senator Atu Bain.

The meeting also discussed the implications of the regime's appeal against the Chandrika Prasad case decision by Justice Gates.

The meeting unanimously endorsed Hon. Mahendra Chaudhry as the Leader of the Parliamentary caucus. The following resolution was tabled by Hon Krishna Datt and seconded by Hon. Ratu Isireli Vuibau:

We the members of the Fiji Labour Party Parliamentary Caucus hereby reaffirm our commitment to the FLP with Senator Jokapeci Koroi as President and Hon. Mahendra Pal Chaudhry as General Secretary and as the Parliamentary Leader of Caucus.

We further resolve that in the event of a Government of National Unity at the instigation of His Excellency the President, whether this takes place before or after the Appeals Courts Decision, the Labour Leader will call an emergency meeting of the FLP Caucus to nominate its candidate for Prime Ministership to the full Coalition Caucus.

The meeting passed the resolution unanimously after a full, frank and fair discussion.

END
3 February 2001
Fax: 380985.