Fiji's Daily Post: 27 June 2000
FIJI: MILITARY TO RULE ALONE
Fiji's political impasse has taken another twist after days of on-off talks with the military opting in frustration with the rebels to run the country for the next two years.
By JOSEPHINE PRASAD in Suva
THE CURRENT political impasse took another twist last night with the military opting to run the country for the next two years.
"It's an option we are considering," said army spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Filipo Tarakinikini.
This comes after talks between the military
and George Speight's team went "up against the wall" on Sunday.
Lt-Col Tarakinikini
said the council will have senior army personnel and advisers in the team.
"The military has got the expertise but all we need to know is the general trend,
which is why the advisers have to be included," he said.
Talks have stalled
after the army disagreed to Speight's group demands, that Ratu Josefa Iloilo
be appointed President and Ratu Jope Seniloli as his vice be appointed immediately.
Lt-Col Tarakinikini said the army wants the President designate to command the
confidence of all chiefs in the country.
He said the army's
stance was that it would select the Interim Government themselves and did not
need to consult with Speight's group although they had conceded earlier and
allowed them to submit a list of people for the interim government.
The
Muanikau accord which was to be signed at 11 am on Saturday faced a hitch after
Speight came up with new demands.
If signed, the military council under
the leadership of army commander, Commodore Frank Bainimarama will hold executive
powers for three months.
Within the period, the council to be known as the executive
council will have to convene a Great Council of Chiefs meeting, where a President
will be selected.
The president in consultation with the executive council
will then appoint an interim administration to run the affairs of the state for
the next 21 months.