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SUVA: An alternative government comprising deposed Fiji Labour Party-led
coalition parliamentarians is being planned in the west of Fiji, the
Daily Post reported today.
The paper said the government, which would operate "in exile", was
expected to be formed at Sorokoba, Ba, later today.
It would be led by Ratu Tevita Momoedonu as Prime Minister and Poseci
Bune as his deputy, according to the Daily Post.
Deposed Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry was named as finance minister
with former University of the South Pacific academic Dr Tupeni Baba, one
of two deputy PMs in the deposed government, as foreign affairs
minister.
However, Momoedonu had also been named by caretaker Prime Minister
Laisenia Qarase for the industrial relations portfolio in the interim
cabinet which was not sworn in yesterday after threats by rebel leader
George Speight.
But Momoedonu failed to turn up for the swearing-in ceremony and later
told the Fiji Sun he had not accepted any appointment in the interim
cabinet.
He was critical of the inclusion of rebels or their supporters, and
non-elected members in the line-up.
Momoedonu was also reported to have presented names from the former
elected coalition government to form a government of national unity.
"I'm not happy with the [interim] line-up," he told the Fiji Sun.
"It includes rebels who illegally overthrew the democratically elected
People's Coalition Government. It also has the names of people who have
not been elected by the people of Fiji," said Momoedonu.
He told the newspaper he would need to consult his Labour Party
colleagues before making any further decisions on his appointment by the
interim President, Ratu Josefa Iloilo.
Momoedonu said Fiji was already starting to bear the full brunt of
sanctions from the international community.
"Fiji is already being brushed away by the international communities,"
he told the Fiji Sun.
"There could be more sanctions coming in the near future if things are
not done in line with democracy."
Speight's rebels abandoned Parliament yesterday after a 60-day siege and
set up camp at Kalabu Fijian School, between Suva and Nausori.
Before leaving the parliamentary compound in a convoy of eight buses,
rebel supporters set fire to nine vehicles.
Eyewitnesses said rebel supporters from the convoy stole fish and other
foodstuffs from Laqere market and hijacked a taxi.
+++niuswire
Title -- 2849 FIJI: Alternative government 'in exile' planned
Date -- 20 July 2000
Byline -- None
Origin -- Pasifik Nius
Source -- Pasifik Nius, USP, 20/7/00
Copyright -- USP Journalism
Status -- Unabridged
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last revision July 21, 2000