Terrorist supporters reject Appeal decision

PEOPLE'S COALITION GOVERNMENT, FIJI

Ultra-nationalists and terrorist supporters reject Appeal decision Issue No: 544 3 March 2001

Ultra nationalists and supporters of the terrorist George Speight have rejected the Fiji Court of Appeal decision.

Calling it an imposition by "five foreigners", the Fijian Forum stated that the judgement is not acceptable to them because it threatens their rights in Fiji.

Today's Daily Post reports the forum, comprising members of the SVT, and factions of VLV, Fijian Association, Nationalist Party, and the Taukei Movement, saying: "With us Fijians we only recognise the Great Council of Chiefs. The Council will have the last say. if not then the country will continue to have problems".

The reference was apparently stressing their earlier statement that they may engage in violent opposition to any ruling which event against the regime.

The paper quoted the Forum's Esira Rabuno as saying: "Fijians will not accept the 1997 Constitution.. Definitely we well also not accept the deposed government. we Fijians feel that five foreigners cannot make practical decisions for our country and tell us how to run it. Fiji is our country and we can manage it."

While saying that they will "wait for the [GCC] meeting and then decide on the next move", the Forum stated that it will meet on Wednesday, a day before the GCC starts its meeting, to discuss the Court decision in full.

Most members of the Forum supported the terrorist George Speight. The Fijian Association faction, and members of the Nationalist Party were seen on the Parliament Complex with the terrorists. The FA faction, led by Ratu Tuakitau Cakanauto, had even written to Speight asking to be given 6 cabinet seats in the `Speight government'. Basking in glory given to him by the media, Speight rejected the demand saying that if the FA members wanted to join him, they should come in their individual capacities and not as members of the FA. Ratu Tuakitau Cakanauto is now a minister in the Qarase regime. He has been closely associated with companies belonging to ethnic Indian business tycoon Hari Punja.

END 3 March 2001

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