Dr Bavadra wants to visit Wellington

Press, 12 June 1987, Page 2

Dr Bavadra wants to visit Wellington

By

PETER O’HARA,

NZPA staff correspondent London The . deposed Prime Minister of Fiji, Dir Timoci Bavadra, is trying to arrange a visit to Wellington next week to lobby the Government for support, NZPA learned, in , London. ’ A source close’ to Dr Bavadra said discussions were being held 'with Wellington as well as Canberra to try to get appointments in the two capitals. The ousted Prime Minsiter hopes to travel to Australia and New Zealand to see the Australian

Prime Minister, Mr Hawke and the New Zealand Prime Minister, Mr Lange,. instigators of a proposed South Pacific Forum mission to help . Suva resolve the coup crisis. In London yesterday Dr Bavadra met the Queen’s principal private secretary, Sir William Hesei- . fine, after the Queen dedined to see him, and also saw The Commonwealth Secretary- i General, Sir Shridath i Ramphal. Dr Bavadra earlier had ’i said he would not accept the invitation to see Sir i William and insisted he i should be received by the : 'Queen. " <

However, he relented, and said he had had “useful” meetings with both Sir William and Sir Shridath Ramphal. After. seeing the Queen’s private secretary, he told reporters: “I would not say I was very optimistic, but to have a discussion and to be heard and allowed to respond is useful.” He declined to give details about the discussions, - but is to see . Sir William again today, apparently to hear the Queen’s response ‘to his pleas for support. In Wellington, a spokesman for Mr Lange said the Prime Minister would see Dr Bavadra if he came to New Zealand.