Urgent talks on Fiji in London

Press, 12 June 1987, Page 4

Urgent talks on Fiji in London

By

ROBIN CHARTERIS

in London >

Urgent talks about the constitutional situation in Fiji were going on at Buckingham Palace early this morning (New Zealand time) between the deposed Prime Minister, Dr Timoci Bavadra, and the Queen’s private secretary, Sir William Hesseltlne.

It was thought unlikely that Dr Bavadra would meet the Queen personally. - Requests for, personal talks have so far been refused by the Queen’s aides on the ground that protocal demands she should deal only with her representative in Fiji, the Governor-General.

Mr Bhupendra Patel, a legal adviser to Dr Bavadra, said that the statement yesterday by the Governor-General, Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau, about planned elections in Fiji and changes to the country’s Constitution had just been received by Dr Bavadra’s party in London. “It is too early to comment about it yet," Mr Patel said. “We would rather ignore it at the moment.” - Dr Bavadra was un-

available for comment. He was about to leave his hotel for a discussion, urgently arranged at the Fijian ■ group’s- ’• request, with Buckingham Palace officials. 5

The talks are the third held between Dr Bavadra and Sir William since the former’s arrival ,in London last Sunday. Mr Patel had no comment to make on the earlier talks. He did not know if there was any prospect of Dr Bavadra’s meeting the Queen. A meeting with the Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral, Sir Shridath Ramphal, had been held on Wednesday. Mr Patel said that it had been “very good” but could give no further details.

Commenting on a response from the Prime Minister, Mr Lange, that he would be prepared ito meet Dr Bavadra on his return from London, Mr Patel said that, it was “good news.” The Fijian party is due to leave London this week-end.

Dr Bavadra is expected to call on the Indian * Prime Minister, Mr Rajiv Gandhi, during the trip.