The military is as adamant as the DPP's office that George Speight and his
supporters will not be granted amnesty.
Military spokesperson Major Howard Politini says the hostage takers cannot be
covered by the immunity decree because all the conditions of the Muanikau Accord
were not
fulfilled. " You'll have to look at while the fine prints may not express
this in so many words, there is such a thing as the spirit or the intent of
this whole accord and the immunity decree which means basically the whole crisis
would be resolved in so far as the safety of the hostages and the safety of
the security of the population of this country. Now that has not been achieved
for the fact that there are weapons still out there.
Since the hostages were handed over and Speight and his group left parliament,
there have since been cold blooded killings. You got to link all of these together,
that is
basically the prime concern of the military as custodian of law and order at
this time, " he said.
Meanwhile, Chief Magistrate Salesi Temo has adjourned Speight and his 16 associates
until Friday . He will than rule on the validity of the Immunity Decree and
whether or
not to grant them bail.
Meanwhile attempted coup-leader George Speight was expected to appear in court
yesterday on an earlier charge. Speight is charged with "Contravention
of the Exchange
Control Act " which means he is alleged to have transferred money out of
the country without the necessary approval.
The body of slain soldier Private Joela Weleilakeba shot dead by rebels last
Tuesday will be laid to rest at the Vatuwaqa Cemetery tomorrow.
Military spokesperson Lt Colonel Filipo Tarakinikini has confirmed Private Weleilakeba
will be accorded a full military funeral.
Nine weapons were recovered from Monasavu yesterday. This was confirmed by
military spokesperson, Major Howard Politini.
An FEA vehicle taken by the landowners was also recovered.
Major Politini also pointed out that escapee Alifereti Nimacere was sighted
in the Monasavu area.
The military personnel who are still on the run are Viliame Sokiveta and Jonasa
Tonawai. The military and police are also looking for Apenisa Rokotiqica, Tevita
Poese,
Semesa Rokosuka, Sekaia Tukai, Leone Lautabui, Alifereti Nimacere and Jese Toduadua.
The damage to the Wailoa Power Station is huge says Fiji Electricity Authority's
spokesperson Ratu Peni Volavola.
However Volavola says FEA has yet to ascertain the cost of damage. He also says
structural engineers are at the site repairing the plant.
The Military has yet to grant the FEA clearance to resume work at the dam.
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