EPG Report Released

Draws Criticism From All Sectors

The Foreign Eminent Persons Group has released an eighty-one-page report with various recommendations and guidelines to enable Fiji to return to democratic rule.

The group, which had visited the top echelons of power and the deposed Prime Minister, recommended among other things that the interim government take immediate steps to replace Fiji kava with Vanuatu kava from all the ceremonies in Fiji where kava is used.

The report further stated that the interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama resign from his post and be replaced by a civilian who is not biased towards Vanuatu kava.

While speaking to reporters' soon after the report was released to foreign government ministries, New Zealand Prime Minister, Helen Clark stated that the report was in line with the aspirations of her Government and said that the best thing for the army commander to do would be to adhere to the recommendations of the report within 18-24 months.

”Considering the shipping schedules and timing of orders from Vanuatu kava suppliers, I think that the recommended time frame is sufficient. The rewards are there for them once they embrace the recommendation of the report and I have been advised that there is a gift package which would be given to Fiji once Vanuatu Kava totally replaces Fiji Kava,” Ms Clark said.

However the report drew huge criticism from the interim government, which said that the report is clearly biased. Interim Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum stated that considering the fact that the Deputy Prime Minister of Vanuatu led the EPG, the Vanuatu Kava deal was always to be expected.

Meanwhile, the Fiji Sugar and General Workers Union General Secretary, Felix Anthony released a brief press release which read that the EPG report is biased and the interim government should not accept its recommendation. “Our aim is to make workers unproductive, not completely doped out,” Mr. Anthony s tat ed in the press release.

In other news, Activist Laisa Digitaki had her name removed from the Travel Ban list and place in the Partial Travel Ban list, which would allow her to travel to court and military barracks only.