By IANS,
United Nations : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Monday welcomed a plan by Fiji’s military ruler to institute a new constitution in the Pacific island nation, saying that the move marks “an important step towards the country’s return to constitutional order”.
A statement, issued here by Ban’s spokesperson, said: “The secretary-general welcomes the announcement on March 9, 2012 of the constitution-making process in Fiji as an important step towards the country’s return to constitutional order.”
“It is critical, in his view, that this process is inclusive and participatory, and that the voices of all Fijians are heard and their fundamental human rights protected,” reported Xinhua citing the statement.
On Friday, Fiji leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama announced a year-long process for Fijians to discuss, debate and approve a new constitution. Fiji has enlisted Yash Ghai, a Kenyan-born expert on constitutional law, to chair a commission overseeing the process.