The Pacific Island Forum (PIF) Eminent Persons' Group (EPG) will
meet with Fiji's President and interim Prime Minister Monday as it
starts its fact-finding mission on Fiji's recent coup.
According to Fijilive, a Suva-based news service, the group, led
by Vanuatu's deputy Prime Minister Sato Kilman, is expected to
visit ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase at his island home on
Mavana, Lau on Thursday.
At the end of its four-day visit, the group will submit a report
on what is needed to return Fiji to democratic rule.
PIF is the South Pacific regional political body that groups 16
member states in the region. It was appealed to consider Fiji's
membership after a coup led by Fiji army two months ago. it's the
fourth coup in 20 years.
Fijilive said key stakeholders will also make submissions to the
EPG group, including representatives of the Great Council of
Chiefs, judiciary, business community, media, civil society and
Forum member countries in Fiji.
The EPG was first mandated in Sydney last year, with the hope of
mediating a peaceful solution between then Prime Minister Laisenia
Qarase and military commander Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.
The objective now is to make recommendations for a way forward
towards peace and stability.
(Xinhua News Agency January 29, 2007)
