Fiji's president Ratu Josefa Iloilo has nominated Wednesday the interim foreign minister Ratu Epeli Nailatikau as the country's new vice president.

The local Radio Legend reported that this has been confirmed by sources within the meeting of the Great Council of Chiefs now under way in Suva.

The sources said the chairman of the Great Council Ratu Ovini Bokini announced President Iloilo's choice soon after mid day.

The chiefs will now discuss Ratu Epeli's nomination in their three confederacies before deciding whether they will endorse his name.

The vice presidency became vacant when Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi resigned after the military overthrew the Qarase government last December to begin its clean-up campaign.

A formal announcement of the chiefs' decision will be made later this afternoon.

Ratu Epeli is a former Speaker of Fiji's Parliament and former high commissioner to London.

He is also a member of the chiefly clan of Bau Island.

Source: Xinhua