Interim Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry is now in the process of suing the Fiji Times and is claiming One Billion Dollars in damages for alleging defaming his reputation after publishing certain stories.

In a press release Chaudhry's lawyer, GP Lala confirms they have written to the Fiji Times setting out in over 150 pages the detailed claim by Chaudhry against Fiji Times for defamation.

Lala said they are expected to file their statement of claim with the High Court within the next few days.

He adds the statement of claim will also be filed against certain other person including employees of the Fiji Times and others who have defamed Chaudhry and are believed to be involved in a conspiracy to damage their client with a view to weakening the Interim Government.

Lala said they are continuing to investigate these allegations which go back to mid 2007 and have asked the Fiji Times to explain whether they made adequate enquiries into the genuineness of the documents on which Fiji Times allegations were based.

Secondly, whether any persons who may have provided documents to Fiji Times were associated with the Qarase Government.

Lala has also asked why the Fiji Times failed to give prominence to the release of FIRCA concerning this matter.

He has also asked whether the Fiji Times has repeatedly attempted to damage Chaudhry through biased and unbalanced reporting and whether the Fiji Times, its employees or advisers have any personal animosity with Chaudhry or grudge against him.