6 Jun 2005

Dispute grows between Fiji government and military over apparent snubbing

1:18 pm on 6 June 2005

The current dispute between Fiji's government and the military over an apparent slight at a ceremony to welcome home troops has take another turn.

The military has dismissed the Government's most recent denial that any snub was intended when the Prime Minister and his ministers left the event early.

They said their part in the event was at an end.

But speaking to Fijilive, the military commander, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, said he was well aware of the schedule of events.

The Commodore asked if the Prime Minister would have insulted Prince Charles by walking out during the traditional ceremony.

He said the Prime Minister would have stayed, as otherwise it would have been an insult to the Crown.