21 MAY 2000 SUVA (Pacnews) Fiji’s President, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara says
the leader of the armed group which is holding Fiji’s Prime Minister, his
ministers and MPs hostage, wants him to step down or he will start executing
the hostages “one by one”.
Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara made the comment in his message to the nation this afternoon.
Speaking off-the-cuff, the President disclosed that he had been contacted by
the armed leader, George Speight who wanted to meet him today.
The President said Speight did not want to reveal why he wanted to meet with
him.
“I did remember that I vowed to the nation that I will not have any dialogue
those who are holding the parliamentarians and bearing arms in the parliamentary
complex unless they are free. I think it was a bit presumptuous for him to think
that the President would talk to him while he holds the parliamentarian hostage,”
he said.
He said he learnt afterwards in a “roundabout way” on what Speight
had planned to discuss with him.
The President said he found out that Speight “will start executing the
hostages one by one”. “And when I said what you really want, and I
was told that he wanted me to step down and allow his group to run the country”.
“I suggested I will not be able to oblige,” Ratu Sir Kamisese said.
He also disclosed that he had a “full Sunday” today. He had a briefing
with the heads of the disciplined forces, former Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka
and the Secretary for Homes Affair, Colonel George Konrote. He also had a visit
from the European Commission delegation.
“We had reviewed the situation since yesterday. And it appears that Suva
has actually calmed down.”
“I spoke last night and assured the country that I’m in a position
and legally empowered to the public emergency regulations to carry out duties
that will promote law and order in our country. So far I’m very pleased
with that progress”.
“This morning the heads of departments in the civil service came and presented
their sevusevu (traditional offering) to me and pledged their allegiance and
support for the Government I lead. And they promised they will carry out their
duties to the best of their ability to se that we get over this crisis and get
back to normality as soon as
possible.”…PNS (ENDS)
This text may have been edited to protect the writer.
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