21 May 2002

Fiji government could lose $US90 million in peacekeepers dispute

5:42 am on 21 May 2002

The Fiji government could lose more than 90 million US dollars in a legal action brought by the Fiji Peacekeepers Association.

Radio Fiji reports that the peacekeepers' lawyer, Tevita Fa, has asked the High Court to penalise the government for failing to reply to their lawsuit within the required 14 days.

Mr Fa says he has now applied for a default judgement against the state.

The High Court will hear his supporting arguments on July the 22nd.

According to Mr Fa, the government will be required to pay their claim if the court finds it liable.

The Fiji Peacekeepers Association is suing the government with a claim that its former soldier members were short-paid allowances handed over by the United Nations since 1978.