Dialogue Is The Key: Interim PM

Interim Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama said dialogue is essential to ensure that solutions are found in relation to the problems that emanated from the events of December 2006.Speaking to Fijivillage after meeting Ousted Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase last night, and Commodore Bainimarama said he will meet with Qarase within the next few weeks to hold further discussions.Commodore Bainimarama said the meeting resulted after initial talks between Archbishop Petero Mataca and Reverend Laisiasa Ratabacaca.“It’s a good beginning”Those were the words of Ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase referring to the meeting held yesterday with the Interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama.Qarase in an interview with Fijivillage, also said he does not know whether or not religious and civil organisations will be included in the next round of talks.The Interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and Ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase met for the first time yesterday in talks facilitated by the two heads of the Methodist and Catholic Churches.President of the Methodist Church Laisiasa Ratabacaca and Head of the Catholic Church Archbishop Petero Mataca have met several times over the past few weeks and together facilitated the talk.The meeting yesterday was marked by an informal exchange of views, with all leaders noting in particular the great importance of constructive dialogue not only among political leaders but also among Fiji's diverse communities and the leaders of religious and civil organisations. The four leaders in a joint press statement said that genuine, trust-based dialogue is essential in order for real progress to be achieved in any national level efforts at healing and reconciliation.The four leaders agreed to meet again in the near future.Meanwhile, the surprise meeting between Ousted Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase and Interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama has been welcomed by the former leader of Opposition, Mick Beddoes.Speaking to Fijivillage, Beddoes said the meeting is a step forward for the country.Meanwhile, National Federation Party President Raman Pratap Singh has also come out in support of the initiative saying dialogue is the only way forward for Fiji.