21 Jul 2006

Former Fiji coup convict says no need for further inquiry into 2000 coup

9:59 am on 21 July 2006

The former Fiji coup convict who previously revealed the identity of the people responsible for masterminding it says there is no need for a commission of inquiry because its findings will be shelved to save a number of suspects.

Maciu Navakasuasua, who now lives in Australia, has told the Fiji Sun the call for a commission of inquiry made by treason convict Josefa Nata is unwarranted and he is only doing it to save his brother, Watisoni Nata.

Watisoni Nata was sacked last month as managing director of Strategic Air Services, the company that provides air traffic control at Nadi International Airport, and is currently on bail awaiting trial after he allegedly hired about 50 thugs to storm the company's office.

Mr Navakasuasua says Josefa Nata should tell the police that he, his brother Watisoni and businessman Navitalai Naisoro were behind the bombing campaigns in 1999.

Josaia Waqabaca, who has served a sentence for the bombing, has confirmed Mr Navakasuasua's statement that they used to meet at Josefa Nata's flat.

Mr Navakasuasua, who recruited front man George Speight only a day before the coup, says while he was serving his sentence with Josefa Nata, Nata had pleaded with him not to reveal his brother's and Mr Naisoro's names to the courts or the police.

Mr Navakasuasua says Josefa Nata is only dragging in the Great Council of Chiefs and the army into his call only to distract attention from the real issues.