Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase met with Labour Party parliamentary leader Mahendra Chaudhry yesterday, discussing among other issues the ground rules for the multi-party Cabinet.

The issues touched upon included the successor arrangement for agricultural leases on native land and consequential changes to the Constitution.

"On ground rules for the multi-party Cabinet, including those to apply in the House of Representatives, the two leaders have now held consultations with their respective party caucuses," a joint statement said. "They agreed today that the next step is to take discussions to a joint committee comprising representatives from SDL and FLP."

The two leaders agreed to expedite ground rule talks in order to facilitate legislative proceedings in the house.

"On the land issue, the PM told Mr Chaudhry that following talks with the Native Land Trust Board, he was in a position to take the matter to Cabinet.

"Thereafter, the Prime Minister will be ready to hold inter-party talks on the subject," the statement said. On changes to the Constitution, discussions involved 'routine and uncontroversial changes' meant to remove 'inconsistencies and ambiguities'.

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