The stakes appear to be rising in Fiji with coup leader George Speight
warning he will shoot his 31 hostages, including Prime Minister Mahendra
Chaudhry, if the military attempts to force their way into the parliamentary
complex where they are being held.
He says all talks with the military have been suspended.
His strong reaction came after Fiji's military president had earlier ruled
out
including him in any new government.
This has been one of Mr Speight's key demands for ending the hostage
crisis.
Commodore Frank Bainimarama told local media that the inclusion of the
rebels in a new government is impossible
"For one simple reason. There has been a lot of talk of backlash, not
only
from the local community but from the overseas community," he said.
"The European Union has written to me stating that if George Speight or
any of his men is included in the interim government, they will not take on
sugar from Fiji."
However, Mr Speight says he remains confident the military will not
forcefully end the crisis.
"The military will never rise up against its own people because I represent
the people," he said.
"The people will speak. They have always doubted the degree of
support I have around Fiji and what will take place over the next few days
is that that support will be made very, very loud and clear to the army.
"I'm of the firm belief that they will come around," Mr Speight said.
This text may have been edited to protect the writer.
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