5 May 2004

Fiji group calls for ban on Iraq deployment

9:28 am on 5 May 2004

The Suva-based Citizens Constitutional Forum is asking the government to ban the private deployment of Fiji soldiers in Iraq.

This follows the deaths of another two Fijian soldiers in Iraq last weekend, taking the death toll to four as well as many injuries.

The CCF's executive director, the Rev Akuila Yabaki, says they strongly object to the recruitment of Fijian soldiers by companies like Global Risk Strategies, which are out to make a profit out of Iraq.

The Rev Yabaki has urged the company's Fiji director, Sakiusa Raivoce, to consider his work in view of the death and serious injuries which have occurred and are likely in the future.

But, Col Raivoce says the men signing up for duty in Iraq are made fully aware of the risks.

He says they want to be employed and support their families and Global Risk will carry on recruiting.