The military government says a supposed Great Council of Chiefs delegation
is acting on its own, and following its own agenda. The group, headed by Ratu
Epeli Kanaimawi, was not appointed for the task of negotiating with coup leader
George Speight, says a military press statement.
'The Military Government does not believe that they (the group of chiefs) were
close to a resolution of the current crisis, and even if they
had, it would not have been worth anything because they were self appointed."
The statement was released to refute claims made by Ratu Epeli that the delegation
had been nearing a solution with Speight when the
military imposed martial law.
"The military also understands that the frequent calls for convening of
the GCC was not on the instigation of Mr Speight. Rather, it was
the underhand machination of Ratu Epeli Kanaimawi and some of the members of
the GCC Committee, to enable them to influence
matters and thereby gain foothold into the interim government."
Meanwhile, the military has also refuted claims by Speight that the soldiers
with him were all regulars. The present status of the 'soldiers'
are: Metuisela Mua - held position of Lieutenant Colonel as director of the
Fiji Intelligence Service until he was terminated.
Tevita Buakarau - resigned from the Republic of Fiji Military forces last year.
Presently a reserve. Ilisoni Ligairi - completed his contract
with RFMF last year. Discharged. Joseva Savua - released from all military duties
October 8, 1999.
On 265 days leave until June 28. Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure - is a reserve Penaia
Baleinamu and Serupepeli Dakai - was serving with the
First Meridian Squadron until they were decommission Tuesday. The cancellation
of commission means the removal of all perks,
including pensions and other benefits, says the military.
A delegation of chiefs from the West are meeting with coup leader George Speight
and will meet with the military government afterwards.
The delegation, headed by Nadroga chief, Ratu Osea Gavidi, will discuss with
both camps the resolutions passed by the chiefs on the
present political crisis.
The West chiefs declared a fourth confederacy, asked for vice President Ratu
Josefa Iloilo to be made President and set up a regional
council of chiefs at the close of a two-day meeting in Nadi yesterday.
The chiefs will attempt to legitimise the fourth confederacy by getting approval
from the Great Council of Chiefs but will not "beholden to
its decision".
A refusal by the GCC could lead to a bid for secession and self-governance for the West.
Soldiers have arrested two of the three men who robbed a shop owner at gunpoint.
The incident took place in Lami Town, about 10 minutes drive from Suva City,
a few minutes ago.
According to eyewitnesses, three men entered K. Ying store and demanded money
after threatening the owner with a gun.
Three armed soldiers went into the store and arrested two men.
The third got away with a small amount of cash. The gun has been recovered.
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