Fiji rules out compo to families of killed in Iraq

Friday, 21 April 2006, 8:28 pm
Press Release: Radio New Zealand International

Fiji rules out compo to families of men killed in Iraq

Fiji’s government says it will not provide compensation to the families of the four Fijian security guards killed in an ambush in Iraq.

However it claims it will do everything it can to ensure the families are not financially disadvantaged.

The four were killed when the supply convoy they were escorting to the US airbase in Kirkuk was ambushed by insurgents.

Fiji’s Attorney General, Qoriniasi Bale, condemned the killings but says the men knew the risks involved and were heavily insured by the companies they were working for.

Mr Bale says that the government will not offer compensation to the families because the four had signed private contracts.

“The government is not involved in the employment arrangement giving rise to them leaving our shores and their employment period in Iraq. If it is involved it’ll be more in relation to ensuring that the employers meet all their contractual obligations.”

Mr Bale was unclear on whether the killings would prompt the government to change its policy on the deployment of security guards overseas.

© Scoop Media

RNZ

New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.

Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.

Contact RNZ

• Website - www.radionz.co.nz
• Twitter - @rnz_news
• Facebook
• Link - Contact RNZ