13 Mar 2007

Deposed Fiji PM to cooperate in treason investigation

9:50 am on 13 March 2007

The deposed Fiji prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, says he is obliged to assist police with their investigations over allegations of treason.

Officers have arrived on his home island of Vanuabalavu, and it's understood they will question Mr Qarase over accusations he called for armed intervention from Australia and New Zealand to prevent the military coup in December.

Mr Qarase says he understands what he has to do when police arrive and will assist officers.

"I will. Tthey have a duty to do and I am obliglied to to do my bit to establish whether there is any case against me."

Mr Qarase says, however, there is a double standard operating because police have dropped investigations into the military commander's actions in conducting the coup.

He says while he feels safe on his island, he's concerned about what the military government is doing.