Finau Mara

Ratu Alifereti Finau Mara (born 1960) is a Fijian lawyer, politician, and diplomat. He is best-known as the son of former Prime Minister and President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara. Since December 2001, he has held the official position of Roving Ambassador and High Commissioner, representing Fiji's interests in Pacific Island nations.

Education and career

Mara graduated from New Zealand's Otago University with an LLB (Law) degree in 1983. This was followed by an LLM (Masters degree in Law) from Cambridge University in the United Kingdom in 1986. Meanwhile, he had served as a Legal Officer in the Attorney General's Chamber from 1984, rising to Principal Legal Officer in 1986. In 1987, he was appointed Fiji's Chief Administrative Officer for Foreign Affairs, and in 1991 he became Charge d'Affaires at the Fijian Embassy in Washington, D.C..

Related Topics:
New Zealand - Otago University - LLB - 1983 - LLM - Cambridge University - United Kingdom - 1986 - Attorney General - 1984 - 1987 - Foreign Affairs - 1991 - Charge d'Affaires - Embassy - Washington, D.C.

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Upon returning to Fiji, Mara was elected to the House of Representatives in 1994 and served for a single term. During this time, he held Cabinet office as Minister for Fijian Affairs from 1997 to 1999, during which time he also served as Chairman of the Native Land Trust Board. He also led the Fijian Association Party from 1996 to 1998. In 1999 he was appointed as Fiji's Ambassador to the United Nations, but returned to Fiji in the wake of the coup d'état that deposed his father from the Presidency in 2000. The following year, however, he took up his present post as Roving Ambassador and High Commissioner.

Related Topics:
House of Representatives - 1994 - Cabinet - Minister for Fijian Affairs - 1997 - 1999 - Native Land Trust Board - Fijian Association Party - 1996 - 1998 - Ambassador - United Nations - Coup d'état - 2000

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On 13 August 2005, Foreign Minister Kaliopate Tavola said that Mara was being considered as a possible successor to Ratu Tevita Momoedonu as Ambassador to Japan. Momoedonu's term is due to expire in September, and he has indicated that he wishes to return to Fiji.

Related Topics:
13 August - 2005 - Foreign Minister - Kaliopate Tavola - Ratu Tevita Momoedonu - Japan

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