Laisenia Qarase said : "There can be no lasting peace, harmony and stability in Fiji unless we deal with this issue,"

pidp Wednesday, November 13, 2019 11:48:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "I am happy and expecting the group at my village. The villagers of Vanuabalavau and especially those from my village will be welcoming the group,"

pidp Tuesday, November 12, 2019 12:37:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "The standards of journalism they maintain remind us of what is possible," "They know their business, they can write, they are accurate, they take time to understand issues and they can be trusted"

pidp Wednesday, October 16, 2019 9:24:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase told : "It is important for them to be part of discussions on land issues because changes my Government proposes to put forward would require amendments to the Agriculture Landlord and Tenant Act,"

pidp Tuesday, October 15, 2019 7:20:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "His majesty was closely related to a number of chiefly households in Fiji," "He served Tonga with dedication for nearly 60 years. His majesty steered the kingdom through an era of change and modernization"

pidp Sunday, September 29, 2019 4:30:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said ( about Fiji Islands ) : "In this era of high technology and globalization, there is no better source of knowledge and expertise in human resource development for us in the Pacific Islands region to tap than Japan"

pidp Sunday, September 22, 2019 12:44:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said ( about Frank Bainimarama ) : "We are waiting for a response from Commodore Bainimarama"

pidp Wednesday, September 18, 2019 3:31:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "It was a private visit. I visited a person I knew and who is the vice-president of my party. Talks we had is not for public consumption,"

pidp Friday, September 13, 2019 9:29:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said ( about Mahendra Chaudhry ) : "No, I'm not prepared to work with Chaudhry," "Either he forms the government, or I form the government"

pidp Thursday, August 29, 2019 7:29:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "This morning I convened a meeting of the National Security Council to discuss recent public outbursts by the commander of the Fiji Military Forces, as reported in the media," "Both the military and the police advised that there was no cause for alarm. There was no threat to order and security. Government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, will continue to closely coordinate the security forces in monitoring the situation. I have duly informed the President Ratu Josefa Iloilo and the Vice President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi of the advice from the military and the police, and the continuing monitoring role of the Ministry of Home Affairs"

pidp Thursday, August 8, 2019 4:33:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "That is what SDL is trying to do, but it’s difficult to control people," "All I can say is that I ask people to try and not personalize campaigns and stick to issues. I think if they stick to issues it’s much better for the country"

pidp Sunday, August 4, 2019 10:55:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "I gave him the assurance that as far as Fiji is concerned, we have recognised only one China from the time we established diplomatic relations and that position has not changed," "I said that as long as we are in government, there will be no change in that policy and we believe in the one China policy and we are adhering to it and we will continue to do that. That was received quite well by the President"

pidp Thursday, July 18, 2019 7:28:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "The invitation is open there is no time limit to it. It really depends on his schedule,"

pidp Thursday, July 18, 2019 7:28:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "The trade of course is in China's favour and really the challenge is for Fiji to try and identify some products that might sell in China,"

pidp Thursday, July 18, 2019 7:28:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "I have a right to expect that the media are well-informed and professional,"

pidp Tuesday, June 18, 2019 1:21:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "Many people in the community have the same feeling. The credibility of the reporting of Fiji One is a real issue,"

pidp Tuesday, June 18, 2019 1:21:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase stated : "We celebrate the emergence of a new, high quality publication to cover this unique region of the world,"

pidp Friday, May 31, 2019 10:03:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said ( about Suva Fiji ) : "Twelve such operations are engaged currently, mainly from Tailevu and Serua and FHCL provides them with technical and operational guidance," "The mahogany plantation mataqali will receive over $800,000 this year for land rent, while an additional $630, 000 is to be paid as a royalty share for mature trees that have been harvested. The Corporation is expected to sell $16 million worth of processed and semi-processed timber this year to markets in the United States, Caribbean, Asia and Australia as a result of good response from customers who recognize Fiji’s mahogany as a prime species"

pidp Monday, May 13, 2019 9:59:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "It always seems that when a Fijian criticizes an Indo-Fijian, he or she is immediately branded a racist. Yet when an Indo-Fijian throws insults at a Fijian, there is either total silence or justification that one is exercising one's democratic rights"

pidp Monday, May 13, 2019 12:51:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase told : "I am convinced that the rise of promiscuity, sexually transmitted diseases and accidental teenage pregnancies, is directly linked to the influence of the media,"

pidp Thursday, April 18, 2019 8:57:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "We need you in the business community because we must increase investment in order to achiever further growth in exports, diversify and broaden our country's economic base, create more jobs, and grow the national wealth,"

pidp Sunday, April 7, 2019 10:15:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "Inevitably, as in any country, there will be those disadvantaged sections of society who will require the special helping hand of the state"

pidp Sunday, April 7, 2019 10:15:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "We are sorry that we shall miss your support and services in the area of foreign affairs and diplomacy, but I am sure your new portfolio responsibility in Communication and High Technology will be equally challenging. "

pidp Thursday, March 28, 2019 12:29:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said ( about Suva Fiji ) : "It has the potential to give Fiji a $1 billion industry by 2025. Early plans envisage the production of energy from copra, forest and agricultural products, as well as from cane and sugar," "What we propose will fit in well with the reform. It is an ambitious scheme for diversifying and strengthening an industry, which must be transformed for survival,"

pidp Monday, February 25, 2019 11:51:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said ( about Amnesty ) : "There will be changes, particularly in the Amnesty provision, following good points raised by the public so that the Bill is constitutional and in accordance with the Bill of Rights," "Plus it does not interfere with the judiciary, police, and the Director of Public Prosecutions"

pidp Thursday, February 14, 2019 11:23:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "I do not see any good reason why he is jumping up and down. He is a one-member party. It is not that their views are not important but their views will be heard in the due course," "We are talking with the Fiji Labour Party now because any changes to ALTA or to the 1997 Constitution must have the agreement of the Labour party and no other party. It is important that the Talanoa is with the party but I am concerned for the minorities as well and I will hear their views at the right time"

pidp Wednesday, February 13, 2019 3:03:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "I think it’s always useful to get around the table and talk about issues, particularly at this level, issues that are important and sensitive," "We have quite a few of those (issues) confronting the Government"

pidp Saturday, January 12, 2019 8:13:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase told : "The Talanoa discussions are another example of what Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara named the 'Pacific Way' -- a way of discussing issues, drawing on the island traditions of consensus,"

pidp Wednesday, December 19, 2018 11:47:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "While in Fiji we will also take the opportunity to discuss with him some of the summit outcomes,"

pidp Monday, December 17, 2018 2:52:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "Although we have learned to coexist, without the racial violence and hatred common elsewhere, we are still a country divided, especially in politics,"

pidp Saturday, December 9, 2017 3:47:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "I believe that such informal discussions between the interim Prime Minister and me should continue because this could lead to something positive,"

pidp Wednesday, December 6, 2017 5:24:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said ( about Frank Bainimarama ) : "The ball is in Commodore Bainimarama’s court at the moment and it’s up to him whether he wants to have another meeting with me or not," "But I believe regular meetings should boost our confidence in each other and also help us understand our differences"

pidp Wednesday, December 6, 2017 5:24:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said ( about Pacific Islanders ) : "Climate change is dear to our hearts in the region and the Pacific Island Forum countries are grateful that Japan is continuing to have a high level of representation in Post-Forum Dialogues,"

pidp Thursday, November 23, 2017 8:14:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "I've got a very good team and I would like to retain as many as possible but a decision on that will be made very shortly,"

pidp Friday, November 10, 2017 6:25:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "We could be looking at the end of the year and we will be advising His Excellency on that soon"

pidp Friday, November 10, 2017 6:25:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "We have returned to constitutional rule and parliamentary democracy. The Fiji Labour Party has challenged the full constitutionality of my multi-party Cabinet. Given the national importance of clarifying this issue at the earliest opportunity, my Government has joined the FLP in co-submitting this case to the Fiji Court of Appeal," "My Government is also seeking advisory opinion from the Supreme Court on the constitutionality of the appointment of Senators nominated by the Leader of the Opposition. This demonstrates our commitment to the rule of law,"

pidp Wednesday, October 11, 2017 7:44:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase asked : "How long will it take for more rural Fijians to become successful commercial farmers?"

pidp Thursday, October 5, 2017 5:28:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "On the question of a multi-party Cabinet, the meeting decided to await the outcome of the Government’s appeal to the Supreme Court, but efforts will be made to continue to explore possibilities of working together,"

pidp Thursday, September 7, 2017 11:22:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "It was a traumatic day for the whole of Fiji,"

abc-au Monday, December 5, 2016 5:58:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "It was a traumatic day for the whole of Fiji,"

radioaustralianews Monday, December 5, 2016 5:29:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "It was a traumatic day for the whole of Fiji,"

radioaustralia Monday, December 5, 2016 4:46:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "There can be no lasting peace, harmony and stability in Fiji unless we deal with this issue,"

pidp Wednesday, November 13, 2019 11:48:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "I am happy and expecting the group at my village. The villagers of Vanuabalavau and especially those from my village will be welcoming the group,"

pidp Tuesday, November 12, 2019 12:37:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "The standards of journalism they maintain remind us of what is possible," "They know their business, they can write, they are accurate, they take time to understand issues and they can be trusted"

pidp Wednesday, October 16, 2019 9:24:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase told : "It is important for them to be part of discussions on land issues because changes my Government proposes to put forward would require amendments to the Agriculture Landlord and Tenant Act,"

pidp Tuesday, October 15, 2019 7:20:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "His majesty was closely related to a number of chiefly households in Fiji," "He served Tonga with dedication for nearly 60 years. His majesty steered the kingdom through an era of change and modernization"

pidp Sunday, September 29, 2019 4:30:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said ( about Fiji Islands ) : "In this era of high technology and globalization, there is no better source of knowledge and expertise in human resource development for us in the Pacific Islands region to tap than Japan"

pidp Sunday, September 22, 2019 12:44:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said ( about Frank Bainimarama ) : "We are waiting for a response from Commodore Bainimarama"

pidp Wednesday, September 18, 2019 3:31:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "It was a private visit. I visited a person I knew and who is the vice-president of my party. Talks we had is not for public consumption,"

pidp Friday, September 13, 2019 9:29:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said ( about Mahendra Chaudhry ) : "No, I'm not prepared to work with Chaudhry," "Either he forms the government, or I form the government"

pidp Thursday, August 29, 2019 7:29:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "This morning I convened a meeting of the National Security Council to discuss recent public outbursts by the commander of the Fiji Military Forces, as reported in the media," "Both the military and the police advised that there was no cause for alarm. There was no threat to order and security. Government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, will continue to closely coordinate the security forces in monitoring the situation. I have duly informed the President Ratu Josefa Iloilo and the Vice President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi of the advice from the military and the police, and the continuing monitoring role of the Ministry of Home Affairs"

pidp Thursday, August 8, 2019 4:33:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "That is what SDL is trying to do, but it’s difficult to control people," "All I can say is that I ask people to try and not personalize campaigns and stick to issues. I think if they stick to issues it’s much better for the country"

pidp Sunday, August 4, 2019 10:55:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "I gave him the assurance that as far as Fiji is concerned, we have recognised only one China from the time we established diplomatic relations and that position has not changed," "I said that as long as we are in government, there will be no change in that policy and we believe in the one China policy and we are adhering to it and we will continue to do that. That was received quite well by the President"

pidp Thursday, July 18, 2019 7:28:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "The invitation is open there is no time limit to it. It really depends on his schedule,"

pidp Thursday, July 18, 2019 7:28:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "The trade of course is in China's favour and really the challenge is for Fiji to try and identify some products that might sell in China,"

pidp Thursday, July 18, 2019 7:28:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "I have a right to expect that the media are well-informed and professional,"

pidp Tuesday, June 18, 2019 1:21:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "Many people in the community have the same feeling. The credibility of the reporting of Fiji One is a real issue,"

pidp Tuesday, June 18, 2019 1:21:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase stated : "We celebrate the emergence of a new, high quality publication to cover this unique region of the world,"

pidp Friday, May 31, 2019 10:03:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said ( about Suva Fiji ) : "Twelve such operations are engaged currently, mainly from Tailevu and Serua and FHCL provides them with technical and operational guidance," "The mahogany plantation mataqali will receive over $800,000 this year for land rent, while an additional $630, 000 is to be paid as a royalty share for mature trees that have been harvested. The Corporation is expected to sell $16 million worth of processed and semi-processed timber this year to markets in the United States, Caribbean, Asia and Australia as a result of good response from customers who recognize Fiji’s mahogany as a prime species"

pidp Monday, May 13, 2019 9:59:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "It always seems that when a Fijian criticizes an Indo-Fijian, he or she is immediately branded a racist. Yet when an Indo-Fijian throws insults at a Fijian, there is either total silence or justification that one is exercising one's democratic rights"

pidp Monday, May 13, 2019 12:51:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase told : "I am convinced that the rise of promiscuity, sexually transmitted diseases and accidental teenage pregnancies, is directly linked to the influence of the media,"

pidp Thursday, April 18, 2019 8:57:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "We need you in the business community because we must increase investment in order to achiever further growth in exports, diversify and broaden our country's economic base, create more jobs, and grow the national wealth,"

pidp Sunday, April 7, 2019 10:15:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "Inevitably, as in any country, there will be those disadvantaged sections of society who will require the special helping hand of the state"

pidp Sunday, April 7, 2019 10:15:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "We are sorry that we shall miss your support and services in the area of foreign affairs and diplomacy, but I am sure your new portfolio responsibility in Communication and High Technology will be equally challenging. "

pidp Thursday, March 28, 2019 12:29:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said ( about Suva Fiji ) : "It has the potential to give Fiji a $1 billion industry by 2025. Early plans envisage the production of energy from copra, forest and agricultural products, as well as from cane and sugar," "What we propose will fit in well with the reform. It is an ambitious scheme for diversifying and strengthening an industry, which must be transformed for survival,"

pidp Monday, February 25, 2019 11:51:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said ( about Amnesty ) : "There will be changes, particularly in the Amnesty provision, following good points raised by the public so that the Bill is constitutional and in accordance with the Bill of Rights," "Plus it does not interfere with the judiciary, police, and the Director of Public Prosecutions"

pidp Thursday, February 14, 2019 11:23:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "I do not see any good reason why he is jumping up and down. He is a one-member party. It is not that their views are not important but their views will be heard in the due course," "We are talking with the Fiji Labour Party now because any changes to ALTA or to the 1997 Constitution must have the agreement of the Labour party and no other party. It is important that the Talanoa is with the party but I am concerned for the minorities as well and I will hear their views at the right time"

pidp Wednesday, February 13, 2019 3:03:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "I think it’s always useful to get around the table and talk about issues, particularly at this level, issues that are important and sensitive," "We have quite a few of those (issues) confronting the Government"

pidp Saturday, January 12, 2019 8:13:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase told : "The Talanoa discussions are another example of what Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara named the 'Pacific Way' -- a way of discussing issues, drawing on the island traditions of consensus,"

pidp Wednesday, December 19, 2018 11:47:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "While in Fiji we will also take the opportunity to discuss with him some of the summit outcomes,"

pidp Monday, December 17, 2018 2:52:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "Although we have learned to coexist, without the racial violence and hatred common elsewhere, we are still a country divided, especially in politics,"

pidp Saturday, December 9, 2017 3:47:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "I believe that such informal discussions between the interim Prime Minister and me should continue because this could lead to something positive,"

pidp Wednesday, December 6, 2017 5:24:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said ( about Frank Bainimarama ) : "The ball is in Commodore Bainimarama’s court at the moment and it’s up to him whether he wants to have another meeting with me or not," "But I believe regular meetings should boost our confidence in each other and also help us understand our differences"

pidp Wednesday, December 6, 2017 5:24:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said ( about Pacific Islanders ) : "Climate change is dear to our hearts in the region and the Pacific Island Forum countries are grateful that Japan is continuing to have a high level of representation in Post-Forum Dialogues,"

pidp Thursday, November 23, 2017 8:14:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "I've got a very good team and I would like to retain as many as possible but a decision on that will be made very shortly,"

pidp Friday, November 10, 2017 6:25:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "We could be looking at the end of the year and we will be advising His Excellency on that soon"

pidp Friday, November 10, 2017 6:25:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "We have returned to constitutional rule and parliamentary democracy. The Fiji Labour Party has challenged the full constitutionality of my multi-party Cabinet. Given the national importance of clarifying this issue at the earliest opportunity, my Government has joined the FLP in co-submitting this case to the Fiji Court of Appeal," "My Government is also seeking advisory opinion from the Supreme Court on the constitutionality of the appointment of Senators nominated by the Leader of the Opposition. This demonstrates our commitment to the rule of law,"

pidp Wednesday, October 11, 2017 7:44:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase asked : "How long will it take for more rural Fijians to become successful commercial farmers?"

pidp Thursday, October 5, 2017 5:28:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "On the question of a multi-party Cabinet, the meeting decided to await the outcome of the Government’s appeal to the Supreme Court, but efforts will be made to continue to explore possibilities of working together,"

pidp Thursday, September 7, 2017 11:22:00 PM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "It was a traumatic day for the whole of Fiji,"

abc-au Monday, December 5, 2016 5:58:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "It was a traumatic day for the whole of Fiji,"

radioaustralianews Monday, December 5, 2016 5:29:00 AM EAT

Laisenia Qarase said : "It was a traumatic day for the whole of Fiji,"

radioaustralia Monday, December 5, 2016 4:46:00 AM EAT