The high chief of Dratabu in Nadi has welcomed the initiative of the Interim Minister for Indigenous Affairs and the chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs who is now consulting various chiefs around the country to join the GCC.

Taukei Navo Ratu Meli Saukuru said that it a very positive and bold move by Ratu Epeli Nailatikau to try and convince the chiefs who continue to oppose the formation of the new look GCC to come onboard.

Ratu Meli said although they have not received an official visit yet from the interim minister, it is a matter they will have to discuss when the chiefs from the Ba province meet on the 27th and 28th of this month.

He also said they will discuss the steps being taken by Interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama who is now inviting the chiefs from the 14 provinces to participate in a special sitting of the Bose Ni Turaga as he wants to personally speak to them and explain the reasons for the delay in the holding of elections and the recent High Court ruling.