Former Reserve Bank Governor Savenaca Siwatibau is among a list of "independent"
people accepted by coup leader George Speight's group to serve in a new interim
administration for Fiji.
Our sources say other names decided upon include former Fiji Ambassador to
the European Community Kaliopate Tavola; managing director of Merchant Bank
of Fiji and a senator, Laisenia Qarase, and former Permanent Secretary Pita
Nacuva. Siwatibau is currently head of the United Nation's Economic and Social
Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), based in Vanuatu.
He is believed to be coming to the end of his term and is on a shortlist for
the position of vice-chancellor of the University of the South Pacific in Suva.
Qarase was a nominee of President, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara for the Senate and
is from Lau, but seems acceptable maybe because of his very public battles with
the Chaudhry government.
Among names rejected are the two former army commanders, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau
and Ratu Epeli Ganilau. Both are Mara's sons-in-law, and have probably been
rejected for this reason.
Also rejected is former Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister's office,
Jioji Kotobalavu, also seen as being close to Mara. Kotobalavu is currently
secretary to the Education Commission.
Ro Teimumu Kepa, sister of Mara's wife, Adi Lady Lala, has also been rejected.
Commisioner of Police Isikia Savua's name was also mentioned last night, but
it could not be established whether he was acceptable, with four Speight group
supporters being detained by police two days ago.
The Speight group is still holding out for the inclusion in the new government
of Ratu Timoci Silatolu, Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure, Speight, and a few others.
They seem dead against any appointments of people close to Mara. Earlier Speight's
media adviser Jo Nata told the Sydney Morning Herald they want an influential
role in the new interim government "in order to steer Fiji in the direction
of indigenous Fijian supremacy".
Nata said the group does not want things to be derailed by people who have
no commitment to the cause especially after putting their lives on the line
and taking risks.
This text may have been edited to protect the writer.
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