Fiji’s former ruling party, the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL), is willing to hold talks with its political foes if a meeting is brokered by the Commonwealth.

Party leader Laisenia Qarase said the SDL management board met yesterday and decided to support the political forum to be arranged by the Commonwealth Secretariat through its special envoy Sir Paul Reeves.

He said the party maintains its rejection of the National Council for Building a Better Fiji, established by the interim Government.

 “We do not support the NCBBF and we do not support the Peoples Charter.”

Qarase says any changes to the Electoral Act should be done in Parliament and not addressed through the public forum as proposed by the NCBBF.

“The Commonwealth Secretariat political forum is where all important political issues will be discussed so that’s the forum we’re supporting,” he said.

The forum is expected to convene later this month.

Meanwhile, consultations were held yesterday by the Technical and Support Secretariat (TASS) and other stakeholders concerned.

Queries sent to TASS head John Samy on the outcomes of the consultation yesterday have yet to be answered.