17 Jul 2006

Fiji military spells out support for multi-party cabinet

10:09 am on 17 July 2006

Fiji's military says it wants to see the coalition government survive because it believes it's the best way forward for the country.

The military has welcomed the establishment of the multi-party cabinet, formed in line with the power sharing provisions of the 1997 Constitution.

The military's spokesman, Captain Neumi Leweni, says they'd like to see the SDL-led coalition work.

"We would like to see the outcome of the multi-party cabinet and hopefully it's the way forward for Fiji."

The military commander, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, challenged the SDL leaders soon after the general elections in May.

Commodore Bainimarama said at the time that he could not rule out declaring martial law.

Captain Leweni wouldn't say whether his commander is happy with the direction the Prime Minister is taking the country in.

But he says the military is waiting to see what form the Reconciliation and Unity Bill - designed to pardon coup convicts - will take.