There were revelations today that the Commonwealth Secretariat and interim government agreed to bring in Sir Paul Reeves, to explore options to have a greater level of dialogue in the National Council for Building a Better Fiji.
Permanent Secretary at the PM's Office, Parmesh Chand confirms that the primary purpose for Reeves's visit was to try to find out whether people can sit down together and discuss ways to move the country forward, through the new National Council.
Chand said while they have opposing views on the Charter, their aim is to get people together to discuss the best way forward for Fiji.
Meanwhile, the Pacific Centre for Public Integrity and the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre said there should have been and there needs to be wider consultation and more participation of the civil society in the talks.
Fiji Human Rights Commissioner and Fiji Women's Crisis Centre Co-ordinator, Shamima Ali said wider consultation of talks needs to be carried out.
PCPI Director, Angie Heffernan sais the rules of engagement needs to be more participatory, fair and transparent.
Director for Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, Virisila Buadromo is surprised that they did not get a chance to meet with one of the architects of the 1997 constitution, Sir Paul Reeves last week.
She said her organization has been vocal on early elections and their views should have been taken.
Another NGO believes that having a person with a high calibre coming in to assist in the political dialogue, is a step forward for Fiji.
ECREA Director, Chantelle Khan said that their stand on the People's Charter does not change but with the involvement of Sir Paul Revees, it is a very good sign for Fiji.
However, Fiji Human Rights Commission Director and Ombudsman, Doctor Shaista Shameem has questioned reports of Reeves involvement saying that Reeves was in the country on a different mission. The same is expressed by the Citizen's Constitutional Forum Director, Reverend Akuila Yabaki who said that reports of Reeve's involvement are not true. Reverend Yabaki refused to reveal anything on the meeting he had with Sir Paul Revees.
When contacted earlier today, ousted Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase confirmed that he met with Reeves last week. He refused to give any further details on the meeting.
Commonwealth/Interim govt agree on Reeves
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