Across Asia: Fiji

Leaders hold talks

Fijian military leader Frank Bainimarama yesterday held talks with former prime minister Laisenia Qarase, the man he forced from office in late 2006.

The 45-minute private meeting was the first between the military premier and Qarase since Bainimarama took power in a bloodless coup.

Qarase, who is facing two sets of charges related to his time in power, said the meeting had been informal and casual, but he refused to comment on what had been said.

The meeting comes as Bainimarama seeks backing from political leaders for a range of political reforms for the country ahead of a return to democracy. He has promised elections for early 2009.

(China Daily 05/20/2008 page23)