Interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama has made it clear that he will not be lured into public statements being made by the Qaranivalu, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, for him to publically apologize for what he has done since December 2006.
Ratu Inoke Takiveikata had set the condition for Bainimarama to apologize in public, for the world to witness if he wants the chiefs of Naitasiri to attend the “Bose Ni Turaga” starting at Queen Elizabeth Barracks (QEB) tomorrow.
Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu also raised concern and said that he will not attend the “Bose Ni Turaga” as it is held at the military barracks and is an act to intimidate the chiefs.
However, Commodore Bainimarama said these comments are meaningless and will achieve nothing.
Meanwhile, Bainimarama stressed that the interim government is not bothered about the chiefs who have refused to attend the “Bose Ni Turaga”.
He said the meeting is focused on moving the country forward and this gives the opportunity to the “vanua” chiefs to find out about the interim government's roadmap to democracy.
Bainimarama also said the chiefs who have decided not to attend the “Bose Ni Turaga” should think twice about their decision as the interim government is deciding on the way forward for Fiji.
135 chiefs from the 215 “vanua” have so far confirmed their participation for the two-day “Bose Ni Turaga” meeting.
Media liaison officer Kini Rarubi said the response so far has been encouraging.
While questions have been raised on why 285 invitations have been sent out as there are only 215 “vanua” chiefs, Rarubi said some of the chiefs are coming as independent chiefs.
The registration for those chiefs who will be attending the meeting will take place from this hour at the QEB and they will be billeted at the army camp.
The meeting proper will start at 9am tomorrow.
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Bainimarama Rubbishes Call For Apology
