Fiji army commander to brief NZ

Fiji's controversial army commander, Commodore Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama is due to brief New Zealand diplomats on the situation between the military and the Government.

Acting New Zealand High Commissioner Joanna Kempkers told the Fiji Times that the commission's outgoing defence adviser, Lieutenant-Colonel Jeremy Ramsden, and his successor, Alastair Mackinnon, would pay a "courtesy call" on Commander Bainimarama sometime this week.

"They will have a selected meeting with the commander, which means it's pre-arranged," Ms Kempkers was quoted as saying.

"It's a courtesy call by Mr Mackinnon, the incoming defence adviser, together with Lt-Col Ramsden, the outgoing defence adviser.

"They will be interested to hear what the commander has to say."

The Fiji Times reported she was unable to say exactly when the meeting would take place.

Cdre Bainimarama and Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase met with Acting President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi yesterday at Government House to discuss the rift between the Government and the military, and Ratu Joni later said there was a frank exchange of views between the parties.

He said Mr Qarase and Mr Bainimarama recognised the need to put the national interest first.

In light of that consideration, Mr Qarase had agreed that Commander Bainimarama and Police Commissioner Andrew Hughes be invited to take part in the National Security Council as observers.

Ratu Joni said the concerns of the military about a number proposed new laws would be addressed when the respective Bills were given a final reading before going to parliament for enactment into law.

- NZPA