Stream line cabinet to be revealed soon

Interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama is expected to reveal his new stream-lined interim cabinet lineup in January.

Speaking to Village News from Cairo today, Commodore Bainimarama said he needs time to identify the best people to take up some of the ministerial positions.

The size of the interim cabinet will be reduced from 17 to 13 ministers and some Assistant Interim Ministers are expected to be appointed.

Bainimarama also said that the travel sanctions are also hurting Fiji as many qualified and experienced people are reluctant to take up the positions due to the travel bans announced by the overseas countries.

He said the bans are not helping Fiji in moving forward and these decisions need to be reconsidered.

Meanwhile Bainimarama and his wife were welcomed by the soldiers and police officers serving in Sudan in Khatoum yesterday.

The Interim Prime Minister will also visit the troops in Sinai and Baghdad over the next few days.