Former FijiFirst Minister for Immigration, National Security and Defence, Timoci Natuva is the new Chairperson for National Security and Defence Review Committee.

He takes over from Esala Teleni the Fijian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Timor Leste.

Minister for Defence Ratu Inoke Kubuabola confirmed Mr Natuva’s appointment yesterday.

Ratu Inoke said the Ministry decided that Mr Teleni must return to his substantive post as High Commissioner which was discussed with the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

“He has done a lot of work up to now,” Ratu Inoke said.

“Mr Natuva has been asked to carry on and complete the work as chairperson of the review committee.  Mr Teleni wasn’t forced to resign,” Ratu Inoke said.

“Mr Teleni never resigned from the Chairperson’s post nor was he forced to resign.”

Ratu Inoke confirmed that Mr Natuva started in his new role two weeks ago.

Mr Natuva had resigned from his ministerial post in September last year citing “personal reasons”.

In a statement, he had said that it was time to spend quality time with his family.

Edited by Mohammed Zulfikar

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