28 JUNE 2000 SUVA (Pacnews) - Fiji's Interim Military Government (IGM) says
it will go ahead and form an interim government, which is expected to
include six of the names submitted by the coup leader, George Speight and
his group.
While military spokesman, Lt Colonel Filipo Tarakinikini wants to keep the
names under wraps until a formal announcement is made, PACNEWS has been
reliably told the interim administration will be established before the end
of the week.
'We are looking at the final draft now and contacting people before we make
the announcement. Really we are looking at people that are competent and
have the wider interest of the nation at heart. These are people that have
no political affiliations and would be from all sections of the community in
Fiji," Lt.Col Tarakinikini told PACNEWS.
He said the IGM's focus now would be to form the interim government whose
main task would be to take the government towards a constitutional review
process and prepare the nation for a national election.
"The interim government would lead the country for 24 months after which
the
military will hand over the executive authority after the democratic
processes are fulfilled. But during this period, the executive authority
will remain with the military.
Lt.Col Tarakinikini said even though they have exhausted all means of
negotiations with Speight and his group, "the door is still open to them"
if
they want to raise any issues with the military.
He also revealed that former Vice President, Ratu Josefa Iloilo has told the
military that he does not want to push his name for the position of
Presidency. Ratu Josefa's name has been vigorously supported by Speight and
his group for the country's executive position in the negotiations with the
military.
"He has told us during our talks that he does not want his to name to
be
included as a candidate for the position of the President," Lt.Colonel
Tarakinikini said.... PNS (ENDS)
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