I will consult chiefs this week: Ganilau
Monday August 20, 2007

Interim Fijian Affairs Minister Ratu Epeli Ganilau says he will spend this week consulting with chiefs as part of the review of the Great Council of Chiefs.

Ratu Epeli said that he will begin the consultations after meeting with the interim Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama this morning.

"I will meet with some of the chiefs today and the meetings will continue for a week," he adds.

Ratu Epeli does not have the support of high chiefs of Fiji's three confederacies who are backing the court case challenging his decision to suspend the GCC in April.

Suspended GCC chairman Ratu Ovini Bokini and his deputy, Nadroga high chief Ratu Sakiusa Makutu, filed for constitutional redress on August 13 over the suspension of the GCC and the termination of its membership.

Ratu Epeli would not divulge the names of chiefs he is to meet, but had indicated earlier that he would consult with the 'turaga ni vanua' or tribal chiefs.