1 Sep 2004

Fiji government senator attacks army commander

10:10 am on 1 September 2004

A Fiji government senator has attacked the army commander for warning politicians who threaten national security.

Apisai Tora has told the Upper House that Commodore Bainimarama is creating a dangerous situation by commenting on political speeches in parliament.

Last week both the military commander and the police commissioner warned Senator Tora and similar people to refrain from threatening them or inciting violence, or face the full brunt of the law.

Commodore Bainimarama was quoted as saying Senator Tora should watch out as "such people should not be sitting in the Upper House."

But Senator Tora has questioned the right of the army commander to comment on political affairs and the utterances of senators.

Senator Tora also says police commissioner Andrew Hughes should show sensitivity to indigenous Fijian culture, customs and traditions.

But the army spokesman, Captain Neumi Leweni, has told the Fiji Times that the military is well versed with the likes of Senator Tora and will not be fooled by his outburst.

Captain Leweni said "there is a fine line between a political statement and one that threatens national security."

And in an editorial today, the FIJI SUN says the security forces owe their allegiance to the nation and not any government, and were responding to Senator Tora's inflammatory remarks in the Senate.