34 Candidates On Travel Black List

34 candidates on travel black list

Issue No: 1033 23 August 2001

34 candidates for the national election are on the blacklist of New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the US and Europe. The blacklist was put in place by these governments against people who had supported the terrorists taking the elected government hostage in May 2000.

A Pacific Nius article states that the New Zealand government has confirmed that the politicians were on the blacklist. The article, posted on the USP's Wansolwara online ( http://www.usp.ac.fj/journ/docs/news/index.html) states:

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark has confirmed that other bans on sports, political contact and aid will be uplifted - but the blacklist will remain in force.

The blacklist is part of the smart sanctions imposed after the May 19 coup attempt last year. No matter what the results of the elections might be the 80 people blacklisted would still be refused to enter Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand, India and the United States.

Radio FM96 reported the blacklist included coup leader George Speight - running for the elections as Ilikini Naitini, contesting the Tailevu North Fijian Provincial communal on a Conservative Alliance ticket.

Bula FM reported Speight would appear in court on August 31 charged with treason.

Today's Fiji Sun provides a list of the politicians on the black list. The list includes:

· George Speight

· Apisai Tora

· Simione Kaitani

· Timoci Silatolu

· Peceli Rinakama

· Rakuita Vakalalabure

· Laufitu Malani

· Tevita Tabalailai

· Watisoni Korodrau

· Isireli Leweniqila

· Inoke Kubuabola

· Aca Soqosoqo

· Taniela Tabu

· Jonetani Kaukimoce

· Iniasi Vodo Tuberi

· Josefa Dimuri

· Mataiasi Ragigia

· Lolohea Waqatabu Seru

· Tevita Momoedonu

· Sailosi Taka

· Ilisoni Ligairi

· Metuisela Mua

· Eroni Lewaqai

· Tua'akitau Cokanauto

· Finau Tabakaucoro

· Rusiate Korovusere

· Josefa Vosanibola

· Berenado Vinibobo

· Manoa Dobui

· Viliame Saulekaleka

· Viliame Savu

· Militoni Leweniqila

· Josefa Rusauli

· Sireli Korovulavula.

END

Baba in more trouble over Drugs

Issue No: 1031 23 August 2001

Disgraced political leader Tupeni Baba has landed himself in more trouble by courting a pro-drugs groups.

Today's Fiji Times reveals that a pro-marijuana group, calling itself the Movement of Jah People's Association, has been campaigning for Baba's breakaway New Labour Unity Party (NLUP) in return for promises to legalise Indian hemp. The Party's founder, Dalpat Rathod confirmed that the group was campaigning for the party and that they will look into the proposals from the pro-drug group. Baba, however, refused to make any comment.

Other political parties have lashed out at Baba for being naïve and incapable of leading the nation.

Meanwhile activists for the Fiji Labour Party have confirmed that the drug gang has been campaigning in the Lautoka area driving their NLUP vehicles recklessly and abusing others. Reports of Baba's activists going around settlements and threatening voters have also been made. Labour activists believe that the NLUP campaigners have been high on drugs, and have not ruled out the NLUP candidates deliberately supplying them with drugs and/or encouraging them to consume drugs for the campaign. On 2 November rebel soldiers, reportedly high on drugs, had attempted a mutiny at the Military barracks in Suva.

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