There may be an end to the hostage crisis and the stalemate between the military
and coup leader George Speight soon.
A Speight delegation is currently meeting the military delegation at the army
barracks to iron out finer details of an agreement after which the members of
the Chaudhry government being held hostage could be released. This could be
tomorrow for security reasons.
It is believed both sides have presented a tabua (whale's tooth used in traditional
ceremonies for among other things asking for forgiveness).
Speight's group comprises Speight, Ratu Timoci Silatolu, Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure
and Peceli Rinakama. It is not clear what agreement has been
reached as the coup leaders had presented a nine-point proposal today, which
included appointing Ratu Jope Seniloli as President and for their own cabinet
to rule the country.
They were asked to join the military council of advisers which would oversee
the appointment of an interim government within six months, ensure a new constitution
was in place and an election held as soon as possible.
Air New Zealand has rescheduled flights to and over Nadi because of reduced
passenger demand between Fiji and other markets. This is most noticeable between
Fiji and Japan.
Air New Zealand will increase round trip flights between Auckland and Fiji
and re-route flights between Japan and New Zealand
The changes will be effective from Saturday.
The change means New Zealand/Japan services that normally fly via Nadi will
now be flying non-stop between the two countries.
Services are being added between New Zealand and Fiji to ensure daily services
are maintained and there are sufficient seats to meet demand in and out of the
market.
Air New Zealand managing director Jim McCrea said the changed schedule reflects
a need to ensure services are maintained between New Zealand and Fiji.
He said they are adopting a prudent schedule that meets existing demands.
"With the Japanese tourist numbers to Fiji significantly reduced at present
it also makes sense to fly directly to Auckland from Japan," McCrea said.
Air New Zealand will continue to monitor the situation in Fiji closely. Extra
staff is being relocated at Nadi to cope with increased demand for outbound
flights, he said.
Garment factories say they are not considering laying off staff unless their
international partners start enforcing economic sanctions.
United Apparel has only reduced employees working hours. Company director Ramesh
Solanki says they are liasing with their overseas customers not to pull out.
South Pacific Textiles which employs about 800 people is hoping their agent
in the United States won’t put a ban on its import items. That could see
most of their staff laid off.
At least 25 supporters of coup leader George Speight attacked policemen on
guard at the Nasova Barracks this morning. The police were unarmed.
The mob apparently walked from the parliamentary complex, along Ratu Sukuna
Rd in small groups. After buying groceries and other items at the
Nasese shops, they banded together and attacked the policemen at the Nasova
checkpoint, radio reports said.
One policeman was hurt. He was treated at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital
and sent home.
The mob stole the policemen’s raincoat and other belongings.
This text may have been edited to protect the writer.
This site is best viewed using Netscape 4.0 or higher.
Any problems or kind suggestions, please email: webmaster@lookinglassdesign.com
last revision 5/29/00