EXCLUSIVE BREAKING NEWS
2-Dec-2006 06:21 PM

LATEST NEWS ON what is happening here in Fiji and where the struggle for democracy is heading. According to our sources:

1. The cabinet of the Qarase government has been differentially located for security purposes, but is still operational.

2. Meanwhile, the military commander (Frank Bainimarama) is claiming he is in control.

3. To underline the commander’s claim, the military is planning to seal off Suva at 3am Monday morning (4th December) to begin its long-promised 'clean-up' campaign. Just what this entails is hard to say, but a bloody struggle between government loyalists and Frank's rebel military cannot be ruled out.

4. Sources say that the 'clean-up' will include a 'constitutional coup' with Vice-President, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi, expected on Monday to dismiss the Qarase government and swear-in an interim regime featuring some current politicians and former political players sidelined since Qarase's victory in May this year.

5. Some observers say the struggle for democracy in Fiji has a tribal dimension too with the House of Bau leading the overthrow. This is where the potential for bloodshed is most probable and the world may well see Fiji go the way of the Solomons, Tonga, or worse.

6. In view of the ongoing deteriorating relationship between the Qarase government and the military command, the likely developments outlined above, and recent and current threats made by Fiji’s military personnel to our newspaper and staff because of our principled criticisms of the military, and our forthright stand for democracy, the rule of law in Fiji, and respect for human rights and the elected government of the day, Australian publisher, Mr Alan Hickling, is supporting applications for political asylum in Australia for all current staff of the Fiji Daily Post. Assistance will be sought from the Australian High Commission in this regard.


By STAFF REPORTERS