SUVA, Fiji Islands (June 20, 2000 ? Radio Australia)---Fiji's military government
and coup leader George Speight are believed to have
agreed on at least six people to join a new interim civilian administration.
As Radio Australia correspondent Di Martin reports from Suva, the news has
raised hopes for the release of Fiji's hostages, now in
their second month of captivity:
"Fiji's public broadcaster says 14 people have agreed to a military invitation
to help lead the country for up to two years under Defense
Force supervision.
"None are considered George Speight supporters, yet Radio Fiji says some
coincide with the hostage taker's own nominees.
"The military is also reported to want bank executive and former senator
Laisenia Quarase as Fiji's next prime minister.
"Both sides are tight lipped about their discussions, but say progress
has been made.
"The military says only professional, competent and apolitical individuals
will be appointed to the new interim civilian government,
with Australia and New Zealand threatening trade sanctions if George Speight
and his cronies are included.
"Talks continue today.
"Di Martin, Radio Australia, Suva."
SUVA, Fiji Islands (June 20, 2000 ? Radio Australia)---Coup leader George Speight
has announced that he and Fiji's military leaders
have agreed that former vice president Ratu Josefa Iloilo, an indigenous Fijian,
should be the next president of Fiji.
Speight has also ruled himself out of contention for a government position.
He said his 31 hostages, including former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry,
could be released soon, now that an agreement on thepresidency has been reached.
The announcement came as a second day of talks between the military and Speight
continued. The talks are aimed at ending themonth-long hostage crisis sparked
by Speight's May 19 coup attempt.
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