31 May 2005

Fiji police monitor situation over Reconciliation bill

3:11 pm on 31 May 2005

Fiji police are closely monitoring the situation as the government's controversial Reconciliation and Unity bill is presented in parliament for the first time.

The police commissioner, Andrew Hughes, says their intelligence security network is active and community police around the country are checking what's occurring.

Mr Hughes says the activity is mostly vocal but he has concerns over some of the strong language being used.

"We are concerned about the polarised views that are surfacing in Fiji in respect of the bill. We are monitoring the situation here in Fiji very closely because this appears to be quite divisive."

Mr Hughes says he's meeting with his minister, Josefa Vosanibola, this week to present the police's submission over the bill and the way it will impact on the force.