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SUVA, Fiji - Fiji's military chief has boycotted a meeting of indigenous chiefs aimed at resolving his dispute with the government.
Commodore Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama stayed away from the Great Council Of Chiefs (GCC) gathering in Suva today because some of its members told the media before it began that they supported the government's position.
The move means the council will only hear a submission by Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase.
Cdre Bainimarama recently sparked fears of a coup by threatening to force Qarase to quit if he did not change controversial government policies.
But the GCC reported this morning that Cdre Bainimarama had told the chiefs he is still interested in mediation.
"The commander has confirmed that the door to the Fiji military forces will remain open to the (GCC) and government," said Adi Litia Qionibaravi, chief executive of the Fijian Affairs Board.
Qarase initiated the meeting of chiefs after a failed effort last week to replace Cdre Bainimarama while the outspoken military boss was overseas.
Cdre Bainimarama yesterday accused Qarase of trying to stir the emotions of indigenous Fijians by going to the chiefs for a solution.
"The GCC sits only when it suits the government's agenda," he told reporters.
Council officials said the chiefs would press on regardless.
"Today's meeting is a forum where the chiefs in their collective wisdom would deliberate on the views of the government as well as that of the military together for a Fijian solution that will help preserve peace and stability of the nation and its people," Qionibaravi told reporters this morning.
"Chiefly wisdom has never failed this country," she said. "You may be surprised at the resolution (today)."
The GCC brings together indigenous provincial chiefs and plays a constitutional role in Fiji, including the appointment of its president and vice-president.
- AAP
