Fiji's military regime has hardened its stance against the rebels holding
hostages at Parliament House in Suva.
The military's demands have caused scheduled talks today to be
deferred.
The military regime says the 31 hostages must be freed and all weapons
in the Parliament compound surrendered before it will meet any of the
demands of rebel leader George Speight.
The military president, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, rejects Mr
Speight's demand that the martial law regime immediately hands power to
the tribal elders in the Great Council of Chiefs.
The military head says the army must keep power for at least three
months after the hostage crisis is resolved.
Commodore Bainimarama says the great council will be convened only
after the three month grace period when law and order is returned.
The hostages in Fiji are no closer to release as negotiations continue
between the military government and the rebels holding them.
The two sides are attempting to draw up an accord on Fiji's government.
The release of the 30 hostages is linked to negotiations about who will
serve as Fiji's president, the length of time the military government will
remain in office and the extent of amnesty for the seizure of Parliament.
Rebel leader George Speight wants legal immunity for all actions directly
or indirectly connected with the assault on Parliament and detention of
MPs.
The Fijian Army says amnesty will be limited to Mr Speight and six of his
men.
Mr Speight says the hostages are his trump card and will not be released
until an agreement is signed with the Army.
He says the hostages are well cared for.
The terrorist leader says the four women MPs held captive have been
offered their freedom but have opted to stay with their colleagues.
This text may have been edited to protect the writer.
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