SUVA (Radio NZ International/Pacific Media Watch): The member of Fiji's opposition Sodelpa party at the centre of a dispute with the Fiji Sun says the retraction of a Media Industry Development Authority ruling may pave the way for the issue to go to the Media Tribunal.
MIDA has said its decision which found a Fiji Sun article was defamatory was made outside its legal powers.
Sodelpa's Pita Waqavonovono says the retraction gives the Fiji Sun a fresh opportunity to properly respond to his complaint.
He says he is seeking an apology, and for the complaint to go to the Media Tribunal where he would be able to seek remedies.
"This is a good test of the media decree, a good test of MIDA and the current laws that we currently have in the country. In saying that, I'm waiting for Fiji Sun to respond and then myself, my lawyers, a whole group of other people in the country will all take the necessary steps."
The Fiji Sun publisher Peter Lomas says the newspaper will discuss MIDA's letter of retraction and apology with its lawyer before deciding whether to take any further action.
MIDA chair apologises to the Fiji Sun
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Pacific Media Watch
