Fiji military stokes coup fears
By Malenie Judy,WNS Pacific Bureau Chief
SYDNEY - Fiji's military has said it will conduct night-time exercises to secure strategic areas of the capital, Suva, citing fears of "foreign intervention". The announcement came amid warnings by Australia and other regional powers of an imminent coup in the Pacific nation. But Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, who met the military's chief for talks on ending their stand-off, said he had been told no coup would take place. Mr Qarase said the planned exercises were "routine". Mr Qarase, who met with military chief Frank Bainimarama in New Zealand, said their talks had made substantial progress, and that he looked forward to further discussions. Fiji has been tense for weeks amid a public stand-off between the two sides, with military leaders accusing the government of corruption and deceitfulness.
In a statement on Wednesday, Fiji's military said the exercises were being carried out to protect the country. Troops in full combat dress would secure the centre of Suva between midnight and 0300 on Thursday, the army said, and "illumination rounds" would be fired into the sea. "The exercise is in anticipation of any foreign intervention and the Republic of Fiji Military Force is taking all precautionary measures," the statement said. The general public was advised to remain cautious when travelling into the centre of Suva, but urged not to be alarmed by the exercise. Cmdr Bainimarama has repeatedly threatened to overthrow the government, despite Fiji having been through three coups in 20 years. The heart of the feud between the military and Mr Qarase's government lies in plans by the government to offer amnesties to those involved in a racially-motivated coup six years ago.
The proposal is bitterly opposed by Cmdr Bainimarama, who put down the coup, and who at one stage was forced to flee for his life. Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said the situation remained worrying in Fiji, despite what he called a "helpful" meeting between the two men. Australia also said a Black Hawk helicopter had crashed into the sea near Fiji as it tried to land on HMAS Kanimbla. One person had died and another was missing. Australia sent three naval ships to Fiji earlier this month as a precaution in case its citizens needed evacuating.
posted by wnsworld @ 11:16 PM
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