N.Z. approach cautious

Press, 8 December 1987, Page 1

N.Z. approach cautious

By

BRENDON BURNS,

political reporter

The Government is adopting a cautious wait-and-see approach to the appointment of a President and Prime Minister in Fiji. The military ruler, Brigadier Sitiveni Rabuka, has appointed the former Governor-General, Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau, as President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Prime Minister until the election earlier this year which preceded the May coup, has been made Prime Minister. The changes in Fiji drew limited applause from the Prime

Minister, Mr Lange, who said it was an improvement for Brigadier Rabuka to have stepped down as leader, but that he still held real power until the new constitution was unveiled.

Mr Lange declined to comment further after a Cabinet meeting yesterday. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Marshall, had described the appointments as “a very substantial step towards an acceptable and democratic Fijian Government” Mr Marshall is on a visit to Papua New Guinea, and some surprise was expressed by Gov-

ernment sources yesterday that he had made a public comment. Mr Lange is the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr Bolger, said the two Ministers had differed in their enthusiasm for the changes announced in Fiji. He said the two statements conflicted, but the National Party believed the appointments were significant. “Having a military Government in Fiji has been a concern to all New Zealanders and the move back towards normal Government should be welcomed,” said Mr Bolger.