Fiji president reappoints Qarase as PM

11:30 AM

SUVA - Fiji's President Ratu Josefa Iloilo has reappointed caretaker Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase to head the country's interim government despite rebel opposition.

The president's office said Qarase, a merchant banker, would serve until the next elections in two years' time.

The cabinet taking office today is similar to the group that was to be sworn in last week.

The original swearing-in ceremony was cancelled after Speight told the country's military leaders he did not feel that enough of his nominees had been included.

All three of Speight's nominees appearing on last week's list have been dropped from the cabinet lineup announced today.

Speight remains in captivity, following his arrest at a military checkpoint on Wednesday. He is being held at military barracks near Suva.

Another 300 rebels are also under arrest, following a crackdown by the military in the last two days.

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said evacuation plans were in place for New Zealanders in Fiji should the situation there deteriorate.

However she told Radio New Zealand there was no immediate need to carry out the plan for the several hundred New Zealanders currently in Fiji.

The Cabinet announced this morning

Ministers

Prime Minister and Minister for National Reconciliation

- Laisenia Qarase

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Fijian Affairs

- Ratu Epeli Nailatikau

Minister for Justice

- Alipate Qetaki

Minister for Finance and National Planning

- Ratu Jone Kubuabola

Minister for Foreign Affairs, External Trade and Sugar

- Kaliopate Tavola

Minister for Commerce, Business Development and Investment

- Tomasi Vuetilovoni

Minister for Tourism and Transport

- Jone Koroitamana

Minister for Public Enterprises and Public Sector Reform

- Hector Hatch

Minister for Information and Communication

- Ratu Inoke Kubuabola

Minister for Labour and Industrial Relations

- Ratu Tevita Moemoedonu

Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration

- Ratu Talemo Ratakele

Minister for Women, Culture and Social Welfare

- Ro Teimumu Kepa

Minister for Education

- Nelson Delailomaloma

Minister for Works and Energy

- Joketani Cokanasiga

Minister for Youth, Employment Opportunities and Sports

- Keni Dakuidreketi

Minister for Health

- Pita Nacuva

Minister for Local Government, Housing and Environment

- Ratu Tuakitau Cokanauto

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Forests and ALTA

- Apisai Tora

Minister for Regional Development and Multi-Ethnic Affairs

- Ratu Inoke Takiveikata

Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources

- Mitieli Bulanauca

Assistant Ministers

Fijian Affairs

- Ratu Suliano Matanitobua

Fijian and Rotuman Development

- Adi Finau Tabakaucoro

Women, Culture and Social Welfare

- Adi Seinimili Dyer

Women, Culture and Social Welfare

- Bernadette Rounds-Ganilau

Agriculture, Fisheries and Rotuma

- Marieta Rigamoto

Education

- Ratu Semi Seruvakula

Police

- Ratu Kolonio Rokotuinaceva

Regional Development

- George Shiu Raj

- HERALD ONLINE STAFF and AGENCIES