People's Coalition writes to Acting President

People's Coalition writes to Acting President

Mon, 5 Mar 2001 09:43:18 +1200

PEOPLE'S COALITION GOVERNMENT, FIJI Issue No: 550 5 March 2001

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People's Coalition writes to Acting President

The People's Coalition Government has written to the Acting President HE Ratu Josefa Iloilo requesting him to common Parliament.

The letter, sent last week and signed by the Parliamentary leaders of the five constituents of the People's Coalition (Fiji Labour Party, Fijian Association, VLV, PANU, and GVP), stated:

"We the undersigned parliamentary leaders of the below listed parties represented in the Parliament of Fiji and acting with the support of a clear majority of the elected members of the House of Representatives, hereby seek and request that your Excellency employ your constitutional powers as contained in Section 68 of the Constitution to summon Parliament as a matter of urgency. We attach a copy of a petition signed by 46 members of the House of Representatives."

"Today's decision by the Court of Appeal (Civil Appeal No. ABU 0078 of 2000) upholds the earlier decision of Justice Gates (Lautoka High Court Civil Action No 217/2000. In respect of the implementation of the Court's decision, we enclose copies of two legal opinions by Geoffrey Robertson QC and Prof. George Williams that may be of assistance to you."

"We can see no lawful impediment to the recall of Parliament nor to the workability of either House."

"Our parties are committed to the establishment of a Government drawing on broad support in Parliament as envisaged under the Constitution. Despite the upheavals of last year we believe that our parties have retained a clear majority with the support of at least 54 of the 71 elected MPs."

"We respectfully request your Excellency to grant an audience as soon as possible to enable us to discuss fully the matters set out in this letter."

END

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