Changes Will Be Made: Interim PM

The interim Prime Minister Commodre Frank Banimarama had told the UN General Assembly in New York that changes will be made to the draft People's Charter after consultations have been completed and the public's views have been taken into account.

While addressing the world leaders, Commodore Frank Bainimarama said once the draft Charter has been amended and finalized, it will be adopted into a vision statement that indentifies Fiji's core problems and the solutions recommended through the nation-wide consultation process.

He added that it is imperative for his Government to build consensus on the draft Charter as the common principles on which Fiji should rebuild the nation.

Bainimarama also requested understanding from the United Nations for Fiji's situation adding that assistance is needed to help rebuild and move Fiji forward.

Interim Prime Minister had also stressed that Fiji will not be able to hold elections in early 2009 because there is work still in progress towards agreeing on a democratic electoral system, one acceptable to the Fiji people and which is agreed to by all political stakeholders, through political dialogue.

Bainimarama said there is also hope that the delay of the President's Political Forum, whose main initial focus would have been on electoral reform, would be convened as soon as possible, reiterating that Fiji will need the help of the United Nations and the Commonwealth.