SUVA, Fiji Islands (May 28, 2000 Radio Australia)---Fiji's president has called for understanding from Australia over his actions in sacking the elected Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry. Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara says he's trying to stay within the constitution, while resolving the hostage crisis. Radio Australia correspondent Graeme Dobell reports from Suva. "Ratu Mara sacked Mahendra Chaudhry's government and prorogued Parliament for six months, saying I am the only person who is governing the country at the present moment.¹ "The president says Australia's reaction will be crucial because it dominates two-thirds of Fiji's trade "He says Australia has shown more understanding of the issues involved in the crisis now entering its tenth day. Ratu Mara says the exchange of shots outside Parliament yesterday in which two soldiers and a journalist were wounded shows the need for a peaceful solution. But Mahendra Chaudhry's Labour party has rejected the president's action, saying he's overthrown the constitution and given in to terrorists. "The kidnap leader, George Speight, has given an initial cool response and is to continue negotiations today."
BRUSSELS, Belgium (May 28, 2000 Radio Australia)---The world's largest trade union body says it has set in motion a campaign of action over Fiji that could include boycotts, sanctions and strikes. The Brussels-based International Confederation of Free Trade Unions says the action could involve the disruption of shipping, airline and mail services. The world union body says it will do all it can to press for the restoration of democracy in Fiji.
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (May 28, 2000 Radio Australia)---The Fiji Democracy Support Group says the dismissal of Mahendra Chaudhry's government heralds a bleak future for Indo-Fijians. Spokesman Salim Singh says there should be an international campaign of sanctions against Fiji. "All sporting contacts with Fiji to stop and we want the UN to withdraw the Fijian security forces, the Fijian army, from all peacekeeping operations throughout the world. "Because they have not been able to keep the peace in their country, what moral right do they have to keep the peace in other countries?"
CANBERRA, Australia (May 28, 2000 Radio Australia)---Australia's opposition leader Kim Beazley says political developments in Suva mean the Fiji leg of the Olympic Torch Relay must be cancelled. A decision on the matter is due to be made on Wednesday, three days before the torch is scheduled to arrive in Fiji. But Mr. Beazley says there's no question it should be cancelled. "The essence of the Olympics was that you laid down your sword and you were at peace as the flame moved through the various Greek nations in embattled states. And politics as normal were suspended. "Well politics as normal in Fiji has been suspended, but not in the Olympic spirit."
SUVA, Fiji Islands (May 28, 2000 Radio Australia)---An attempt by Fiji's President to resolve the Suva hostage crisis by giving in to most of the demands of the kidnappers has still not been accepted by the gunmen. Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara now faces international condemnation, after he sacked the kidnapped Chaudhry government in an effort to secure their release. Radio Australia correspondent Graeme Dobell reports: "In dismissing the Chaudhry government, the president pointed to the exchange of gunfire outside Parliament in which two Fiji soldiers and a cameraman were wounded. Ratu Mara says it shows that he has no alternative than to meet most of the demands of the gunmen occupying Parliament ('Blood has already been spilt, that's what we're avoiding.') "Fiji's president says he's ready to grant legal immunity to George Speight and six of the gunmen who seized Parliament. Ratu Mara says Fiji must pay the price if it's punished as an international pariah. ('We are going to face not only purgatory but hell, politically.') The Labour Party of the dismissed Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry condemned Ratu Mara, saying he's overthrown the constitution and given in to terrorists. "Graeme Dobell, Suva."
SUVA, Fiji Islands (May 26, 2000 Radio Australia)---Fiji's coup leader George Speight has blamed government troops for the gunfight Friday in which three people were injured. Radio Australia correspondent Mark Willacy reports that Mr. Speight has also criticized politicians in Australia for their reaction to developments in Fiji. "Supporters of Mr. Speight confronted troops stationed outside the parliamentary compound and attempted to disarm them. For about two minutes, people scrambled as both sides discharged their weapons. One soldier was hit in the shoulder another in the leg, while an Associated Press cameraman was wounded in the arm. "At a press conference George Speight blamed the troops for the bloodshed. At the same time the coup leader hit back at Australia¹s Prime Minister, John Howard, and Opposition Leader Kim Beazley over their criticisms, saying neither man understands indigenous Fijian issues.
CANBERRA, Australia (May 27, 2000 Radio Australia)---Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is now warning Australians not to travel to Fiji. A spokesperson for the Department, Matt Francis, says Fiji is now considered unsafe. "Our advice for all Australians is that they should consider deferring all holiday and normal business travel to Fiji until further notice. "For Australians who are currently in Fiji we recommend they maintain a high level of personal safety awareness, that they monitor developments that may affect their safety."
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