USP Journalism Online: http://www.usp.ac.fj/journ/
USP Journalism on the Fiji crisis (UTS host): http://www.journalism.uts.edu.au/
USP Pasifik Nius stories on Scoop (NZ):
http://www.scoop.co.nz/international.htm
Have your say: http://www.TheGuestBook.com/vgbook/109497.gbook
SUVA: The motive behind the overthrow of the democratically elected
People's Coalition Government in Fiji has now surfaced, claims the Daily
Post in a front page report today.
Caretaker government Deputy Prime Minister and Bau high chief Ratu Epeli
Nailatikau yesterday said the people who had been silently supporting
the overthrow of Mahendra Chaudhry's cabinet had now come to the fore,
the paper reported.
"I know the Daily Post published a story earlier about the Cakobau
family supporting George Speight, which they refuted strongly," Ratu
Epeli said.
"Now the truth has come out.
"As you all know, the rebel leader [George Speight] wants Adi Samanunu
Cakobau to be Fiji's next prime minister."
Questions had been raised on Adi Samanunu's involvement in politics when
in her capacity as a diplomat she should not be involved, the paper
said.
The Fiji Times reported that Chaudhry admitted yesterday that his life
was under threat.
When asked by reporters how his life had been threatened, he replied by
"physical arms".
Chaudhry told the paper the threats had come about through statements he
made after being released from Parliament and "largely to keep us quiet
in maintaining that we are the legitimately elected government".
Chaudhry said he hoped that he would not need to stay in western Viti
Levu for too long, adding that something needed to be done about law
enforcement
He has two security guards accompanying him which is expected to be
increased to four.
The interim President, Ratu Josefa Iloilo, yesterday expressed sorrow
over the disunity among the Fijian people, the Fiji Sun reported.
He said in an address to the nation in Fijian on Radio Fiji last night
that if the Fijians could not be united, then uniting the country would
be an exercise in futility.
Ratu Josefa said that although the new direction he sought would ensure
the protection of Fijian interests, it would also seek to protect the
rights of non-indigenous Fiji Islanders.
He pleaded with Fijians to first try to unite and let good sense
prevail.
His address came in the wake of the current impasse over cabinet
appointees between Speight's rebel group and the President's office.
Ratu Josefa said the disunity had caused him to take more time in
confirming a final group of interim ministers.
He said Fijian interests were being addressed through a detailed
blueprint on Fijian aspirations and development presented to the Great
Council of Chiefs by caretaker Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase.
Meanwhile, a rebel supporter charged with a shooting incident outside
Parliament on May 27 was acquitted yesterday by Chief Magistrate Salesi
Temo.
Isoa Karawa was involved in a skirmish with armed soldiers which landed
three troopers in hospital and injured a rebel supporter and a
cameraman.
Temo said the Immunity Decree stated anybody associated with Speight who
carried out an illegal act would be pardoned by the courts.
+++niuswire
Title -- 2852 FIJI: Coup motive 'revealed'
Date -- 22 July 2000
Byline -- None
Origin -- Pasifik Nius
Source -- Daily Post/Fiji Times/Fiji Sun, 22/7/00
Copyright -- PN/DP/FT/FS
Status -- Unabridged
-------------------
This site is best viewed using Netscape 4.0 or higher.
Any problems or kind suggestions, please email: webmaster@lookinglassdesign.com
last revision July 26, 2000