Former Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase has passed away.

FBC News has been informed by family members that Qarase was admitted last week at the Oceania Private Hospital in Suva following a short illness and has passed away this morning.

Qarase served as the sixth Prime Minister of the country from 2000 to 2006.

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He is originally from Mavana, Vanua Balavu, in Lau.

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