13 JULY 2000 SUVA (Pacnews) --- Coup leader, George Speight has released the
18 hostages from the Parliamentary Complex, complying with the Muanikau Accord.
This afternoon, the whole of Fiji watched on television and heard live on
radio the emotional release of the hostages, after a traditional ceremony
asking for their forgiveness was performed by Speight and his men. The
ceremony of 'vakamatanigasau' is carried out by people in the wrong asking
for forgiveness.
It's believed the ceremony was conducted to ask former coalition government
Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry and his Government members to forgive
Speight and his supporters for the forced takeover of the government on May
19.
It's not known at this stage whether Chaudhry and his men have accepted the
traditional apology.
News reports say the men were released at five this afternoon after an
assurance from the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) meeting that executive
authority will be handed over to the GCC after the President is appointed.
PACNEWS has been reliably informed that former Vice President, Ratu Josefa
Iloilo has been appointed the new President of Fiji.
The 18 hostages were transported to the Red Cross headquarters via two
vehicles and were whisked away from hundreds of families, relatives and
well-wishers who had gathered to catch a glimpse of the hostages held at
gun-point for 56 days.
While no word has come from the chiefs meeting, it's believed the former
President, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara has asked that he step aside to pave the
way for the new interim administration to appoint a new President and
Cabinet line up to oversee the affairs of the country in the coming 24 months.
PACNEWS has been reliably told that a number of paramount chiefs spoke
against the convening of a Bose Ni Turaga yesterday by the chiefly family of
Mataiwelagi. It's understood that the oldest of the Cakobau family, Fiji's
Ambassador to Malaysia explained the decisions of the Bose Ni Turaga and
also apologised to the chiefs of Fiji.
The release of the hostages is among a number of things Speight and his
group would have to comply with under the Muanikau Accord. His men are
expected to return their weapons to the Fiji Military Forces headquarters
and call off demonstrations from supporters around the country.... PNS
(ENDS)
This site is best viewed using Netscape 4.0 or higher.
Any problems or kind suggestions, please email: webmaster@lookinglassdesign.com
last revision July 13, 2000