NEWSFLASH: Fiji Coup Breakthrough Fails

Saturday, 24 June 2000, 3:35 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

..from http://www.fijilive.com/

Talks break down

Talks have broken down between the army and coup leader George Speight's group following the refusal of Speight's group to release the hostages three hours after the signing of the accord.

According to the Muanikau Accord, which details the agreement between all groups, Speight's group was to surrender its weapons, release the hostages and have the army bus all its supporters from the Parliamentary complex.

Army commander Commodore Frank Bainimarama apparently walked off in frustration 10 minutes after the talks started.

The accord was to be signed today at 11am. This was later shifted to 12 noon, and now it seems it will not be done today.

The army has virtually agreed to all of Speight's demands, including reducing the term of its rule to three weeks from three months and accepting Speight's nominees in the interim government.

Apart from the army and Speight's team, a group of chiefs at the meeting included Bau's Adi Litia Cakobau, Kadavu's Ratu Aca Soqosoqo, Nadroga's Ratu Osea Gavidi, Cakaudrove's Ratu Epeli Kanaimawi and Namosi's Kiniviliame Taukeinikoro.

ENDS

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Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

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