Army Stands Firm, Law And Order Top Priority

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ARMY STANDS FIRM
Law And Order Top Priority List, Bainimarama Tells Cabinet

SUVA: The Fiji military will seek foreign help if it is unable to maintain national security after the Court of Appeal ruling [on the validity of the 1997 constitution], reports the Fiji Times.

A stunned [interim] cabinet sat in silence as the military surprised ministers with a presentation at Government House on Monday with its stand if Justice Anthony Gates' ruling on the 1997 constitution is upheld by the Court of Appeal.

The military delegation, which cabinet was not expecting to be part of an informal visit to the President, Ratu Josefa Iloilo, was led by army commander Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

The presentation was made by Colonel Ratu George Kadavulevu.

Also in attendance were colonels Ilaia Kacisolomone and Lesi Korovavala of the military's strategic unit.

Cabinet members said they were surprised when the military suddenly began the presentation.

They were told that if Justice Gates' ruling was upheld next month, the military would uphold the rule of law and support the formation of a government of national unity.

And if the army was unable to control the situation as a result of the response to the ruling, it would seek foreign assistance.

The military said it was concerned about its national and international credibility and would do everything to maintain law and order.

Ratu Josefa intervened, saying there was no point in discussing the subject as the ruling had not been made.

He told the group they should wait for the Court of Appeal decision.

+++niuswire

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