In an unsigned statement, the two leaders, who met for more than an hour, said discussions were centered on the People’s Charter and the proposed political forum which will be facilitated by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the United Nations.
The statement came as the EU team, led by Dr. Tjasa Zivko, arrived on a fact-finding mission on the progress of preparations for Fiji’s national elections which the interim government is committed to have by March next year.
The meeting also included the head of the Roman Catholic Church in Fiji, Archbishop Petero Mataca, and Methodist Church president Rev. Laisiasa Ratabacaca
“The four leaders reiterated the great importance of constructive forward-looking dialogue, including the efforts that are now needed aimed at healing and reconciliation at the national level,” the statement said.
“They urged Fiji’s traditional, community, civic and religious leaders to play an active and a lead role in the reconciliation efforts at the level of local communities and at national level,” it added.
Leaders in Fiji need to set examples in the way they lead, to exercise effectively the responsibility that positions of leadership entrusted in them, the statement said. A further meeting between the two leaders is anticipated, it said.
The EU delegation, which comprises four members of the European Council, met Bainimarama yesterday.
They also met with three interim cabinet ministers — Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Mahendra Chaudhry and Ratu Epeli Ganilau.
The delegation will hold separate meetings with the Constituency Boundaries Commission and the Fiji Women’s Crisis Center before meeting representatives of the National Council of Building a Better Fiji.
The delegation will likewise meet interim Attorney General Aiyaz Saiyed Khaiyum, the Electoral Commission, Supervisor of Elections Felicity Heffernan, Pacific Islands Secretariat representatives and the Joint Forum Islands Working Group.
