Web posted at: 4:05 p.m. HKT (0805 GMT)
SUVA, Fiji (CNN) -- Violence and civil unrest broke out in Fiji's former capital
despite an
agreement between armed rebels and the military to end a weeks- old hostage
drama in the
nation's parliamentary complex.
Villagers in Fiji's former capital, Levuka, on Monday burned down a Masonic
lodge, charged at
a police station and seized a tuna cannery and its manager. Local radio also
reported looting in
the city.
Meanwhile, New Zealand threatened to impose further
sanctions against Fiji if rebel leader George Speight's
supporters are included in the civilian government under
the agreement, which also calls for the release of the 27
political hostages.
The violence erupted just hours after the rebels, who have
held dozens of hostages since May 19, and military leaders
signed a pact allowing the insurgents a role in selecting
Fiji's next government. However, it was not immediately
known if the violence was carried out in support of
Speight.
Tribal chiefs to meet Thursday
Under the agreement signed Sunday, Fiji's influential tribal
chiefs are to name the nation's next president and vice
president and help name the civilian government. Speight
said he was confident the chiefs would name Ratu Josefa
Iloilo, the rebels' designee, as president.
The Great Council of Chiefs is expected to meet Thursday,
the day the rebels said they would release their remaining
hostages, including deposed Prime Minister Mahendra
Chaudhry. The agreement also gives the captors, and individuals involved in
subsequent civil
disobedience, immunity from prosecution.
Australian journalist Mike Amor told CNN that the agreement was being widely
viewed as a
win for Speight. It was not immediately known if Speight would seek a role in
the new
government.
"That's the sad message that will be taken," New Zealand Foreign
Minister Phil Goff told
CNN.
"Respect for the police and the military have dissipated, and ordinary
Fijians have got quite
dramatic proof that severe consequences do not follow illegal actions, and that
hostage taking
and a coup can achieve objectives," Goff said.
"That means that the next government in Fiji will not be able to relax
either. Fiji is fast heading
down the road of becoming known as a banana republic," Goff said.
Cannery manager held hostage
Speight and the rebels stormed Fiji's parliament and seized more than 40 hostages
on May 19.
Chaudhry, elected last year, was the nation's first ethnic Indian prime minister.
Speight said that indigenous Fijians had been marginalized in Fiji's politics
and economy by
ethnic Indians. Indians make up about 44 percent of the South Pacific nation's
population of
813,000. But they control much of its commerce.
On Monday, a man identifying himself as Bill told local radio that workers
seized the Pacific
Fishing Company, in Levuka, and took plant general manager Miti Baleivanualala
hostage. He
said the manager would not be harmed.
"We are here in support of what George Speight is doing for our country,"
the man said. "We
will stay here until Thursday."
Military spokesman Maj. Howard Politini said approximately 40 people had attempted
earlier
to storm the city's police station, but backed off when authorities fired warning
shots.
International sanctions expected
Speight, meanwhile, said he realized the international community would shun
Fiji, but added
that the rebels' actions were necessary to ensure Fiji was a more prosperous
nation in the
future.
"I firmly believe in my heart that Fiji can only be a peaceful place and
a happy place and a
prosperous place if the interests of Fijians are made central and paramount
to our
decision-making, and if they are completely fulfilled," Speight said after
the agreement was
signed.
It was widely anticipated, however, that several countries -- including the
United States, New
Zealand, Australia and the European Union -- would impose new sanctions on Fiji.
Some sanctions, including a sports ban, were imposed by the Commonwealth shortly
after the
coup attempt began. The United States recalled over the weekend its ambassador
to Fiji, Osman
Siddique, for consultations. It was not known if he would return to Fiji.
"The United States continues to be deeply concerned about the current
situation in Fiji," U.S.
Embassy officials said in a statement. "We deplore both hostage taking
and efforts to deny
political rights to citizens of Fiji."
Goff told CNN that his country would take diplomatic steps, including severing
military
cooperation, with Fiji if the rebels are included in the new government.
Goff also said aid programs could be cut and "smart sanctions" could
be imposed on anyone
deemed responsible for Fiji's crisis.
"It is likely that the relationship ... would become a distinctly cool
and distant relationship,"
Goff said.
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last revision July 13, 2000