Honours for Fiji's former leader

By Phil Mercer
BBC regional correspondent

Ratu Mara was Fiji's first and longest-serving prime minister

A three-day state funeral has begun in Suva for Fiji's former leader Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.

The capital of the South Pacific nation was brought to a standstill by thousands of well-wishers who turned out to see the cortege make its way through the city's streets.

Ratu Mara was considered to have been the founding father of modern Fiji following independence from Britain.

He died earlier this month from complications of a stroke. He was 83.

Ratu Mara's coffin was escorted through Suva by members of Fiji's military.

It was, according to a local radio station, a procession fit for a king.

It began at the hospital where the former leader died before making its way to Government House, which stands on a hill overlooking the capital. The body will lie in state for three days.

Ceremonial gifts

Tens of thousands of Fijians are expected to pay their respects to a statesman who guided their country through the turbulent times that followed independence.

His family has been presented with ceremonial gifts such as food and money, which are traditionally given to grieving relatives.

Ratu Mara, a paramount chief, was Fiji's first and longest-serving prime minister. He later became president and was forced to stand aside during a nationalist coup four years ago.

Government officials have said that among the dignitaries attending the funeral are the prime ministers of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands and the foreign ministers of Australia and New Zealand, as well as representatives from the Tongan royal family.

A state church service will be held on Friday before Ratu Mara makes his final journey back home to the outlying island of Lekemba for burial.