Pacific Islands Development Program/East-West Center
Center for Pacific Islands Studies/University of Hawai'i at Manoa
SUVA, Fiji Islands (May 23, 2000 ‹ Radio Australia)---A national strike
called by Fiji's Trade Union Congress during the weekend to protest the
armed takeover of the Government, has been suspended.
The National Secretary, Felix Anthony, said an executive council meeting
today decided to end the strike.
However, Mr. Anthony said the FTUC continues to condemn the illegal takeover
and has received pledges of support from international counterparts.
The Congress also expressed concern about the increasing levels of
lawlessness in the country, especially in the capital, Suva, and the
neighboring town of Nausori.
Meanwhile, the Dean of the Fiji School of Medicine has written to the
foreign and education ministers of Pacific Island Countries, assuring them
their students are safe despite the political situation.
At the same time, the University of the South Pacific says classes will be
suspended for the next three days.
SUVA, Fiji Islands (May 23, 2000 ‹ Radio Australia)---Fiji's deputy Prime
Minister has called on the Great Council of Chiefs to distance itself from
what she describes as George Speight's shameful act of aggression.
Adi Kuini Bavadra Speed was speaking from her hospital in Canberra where's
she's receiving treatment for cancer.
Adi Kuini says if the Chiefs' meeting in Suva today backs the coup attempt,
Fiji will face years of instability.
She's appealed to the chiefs to give their full support to the President,
Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, to resolve the hostage crisis:
She said, "The chiefs must show leadership and wisdom at this critical
time.
They must fully understand the dire consequences of allowing thugs to
dictate the future economy or direction of our country. If they win this
time we are passing onto future generations a legacy of instability and
moral bankruptcy."
SUVA, Fiji Islands (May 23, 2000 ‹ Radio Australia)---Fiji's President,
Sir
Ratu Kamisese Mara, has again called for the gunmen who seized parliament
last Friday to lay down their weapons.
President Mara told a news conference that the self-proclaimed regime of
coup leader George Speight should enter talks about his grievances.
Meanwhile, Mr. Speight has warned foreign countries to stay out of the
Fiji's political turmoil, saying it's an internal matter.
The Australia government says it will not get involved in Fiji's hostage
crisis unless the Fijian Government makes a specific request.
It is calling on Mr. Speight and his supporters to release their hostages
and return the country to constitutional rule.
SUVA, Fiji Islands (May 22, 2000 ‹ Radio Australia)---Fiji's president
has
hinted that Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry may not continue in the role as
major talks get under way in Suva tomorrow (Tuesday) to resolve the hostage
crisis.
Radio Australia correspondent Kevin McQuillan reports from Suva that the
President has also called on the leaders of the attempted coup to release
the hostages and surrender:
"President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara will take to tomorrow's crucial Great
Council of ChiefsÕ meetingÕ, a proposal to end the four day crisis.
"He would not reveal any details, but said no one should assume that Mr.
Chaudhry would continue as Prime Minister: ÔI cannot give you that
assurance. What I intend to do, is to talk to them and say that you have
seen what has happened...what is your possible solution for it, and we will
have a dialogue amongst ourselves as what they offer, and what I think could
be proper to resolve it. And they will put back the Government that's caused
all these problems.Õ
"Ratu Mara said whatever action follows tomorrow's talks would have to
be in
line with the constitution, and he was not inviting Mr. Chaudhry to resign.
" President Mara also called on the coup leader to release their hostages
and surrender, as no talks would take place with them until this happened.
"Kevin McQuillan, Radio Australia News, Suva."
This text may have been edited to protect the writer.
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