Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
License needed for work use Register

World Video | Defence | Foreign Affairs | Natural Events | Trade | NZ in World News | NZ National News Video | NZ Regional News | Search

 

Ratu Mara Resigns

Issue No: 309 21 December 2000

Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, the substantive President of Fiji, has officially resigned. According to reports, his resignation is effective 29 May 2000.

Mara had been asked by the military to step aside on 29 May for the military to take charge of the affairs of the nation. He was evacuated from his residence to a navy boat and taken to Lakeba, his traditional home.

In November, the High Court ruled that Mara was still the legitimate President of the country. The Court also declared that "the Parliament should be summoned by the President at his discretion but as soon as practicable."

Many were expecting the President to wait until the Court of Appeal ruled on the regime's appeal on the Gates' declaration. The appeal is scheduled for hearing in February next year.

The resignation now throws open the question of who is the legitimate President of the nation. Dr. Tupeni Baba of the People's Coalition Government states that Ratu Josefa Iloilo is now the legitimate Acting President and as such he should now summon the Parliament and give force to Justice Gates' decision.

Meanwhile the regime has stated that the Cabinet has approved Ratu Mara's pension. Cabinet Secretary, Jioji Kotobalavu, speaking on Fiji TV news last night, said that the resignation letter was delivered to the PM's office.

END 21 December 2000


Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
World Headlines

 
UN News: Aid Access Is Key Priority

Among the key issues facing diplomats is securing the release of a reported 199 Israeli hostages, seized during the Hamas raid. “History is watching,” says Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths. “This war was started by taking those hostages. Of course, there's a history between Palestinian people and the Israeli people, and I'm not denying any of that. But that act alone lit a fire, which can only be put out with the release of those hostages.” More


Save The Children: Four Earthquakes In a Week Leave Thousands Homeless

Families in western Afghanistan are reeling after a fourth earthquake hit Herat Province, crumbling buildings and forcing people to flee once again, with thousands now living in tents exposed to fierce winds and dust storms. The latest 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit 30 km outside of Herat on Sunday, shattering communities still reeling from strong and shallow aftershocks. More

UN News: Nowhere To Go In Gaza

UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said some 1.1M people would be expected to leave northern Gaza and that such a movement would be “impossible” without devastating humanitarian consequences and appeals for the order to be rescinded. The WHO joined the call for Israel to rescind the relocation order, which amounted to a “death sentence” for many. More


Access Now: Telecom Blackout In Gaza An Attack On Human Rights

By October 10, reports indicated that fixed-line internet, mobile data, SMS, telephone, and TV networks are all seriously compromised. With significant and increasing damage to the electrical grid, orders by the Israeli Ministry of Energy to stop supplying electricity and the last remaining power station now out of fuel, many are no longer able to charge devices that are essential to communicate and access information. More

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.