Pacific

Speculation in Fiji over Chaudhry's continued role as interim finance minister

14:08 pm on 24 July 2008

The Fiji military council is reported to be again pushing for the ousting of the interim finance minister, Mahendra Chaudhry, from the interim government.

Fijilive quotes sources as saying the council members have restated their wish that the interim prime minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, dismiss Mr Chaudhry.

No reason has been given for the latest move.

The two men held a meeting this morning but made no comment.

In March, the council was reported to be demanding that Mr Chaudhry step aside while his tax affairs were assessed.

Allegations of impropriety were levelled at him by the Fiji Times which prompted Mr Chaudhry to sue the paper for five billion US dollars for defamation.

An investigation instigated by the interim regime cleared him of any wrongdoing.

Mr Chaudhry joined the interim regime in January last year when Commodore Bainimarama relinquished his role as president and took over as interim prime minister from Jona Senilagakali.