7 Apr 2003

Fiji's pro coup party reiterates its support for the Qarase government

9:38 am on 7 April 2003

Fiji's pro-coup Conservative Alliance Matanitu Vanua Party has reaffirmed its complete support for the Laisenia Qarase led coalition government.

The decision came at the annual general meeting of the party during the weekend.

It followed earlier statements by a Conservative Alliance MP that their coalition was under threat because the government had not freed the coup front man, George Speight, and his accomplices.

But the Conservative Alliance leader and Minister for Lands, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, told their meeting that the party would always support Mr Qarase's leadership and his government's policies.

The Party Secretary, Senator Ratu Josefa Dimuri, said the meeting also discussed the imprisonment of party members for their roles in the coup, but decided that the law should take its course.