22 Aug 2007

Fiji treason probe of Qarase actions on hold

7:06 pm on 22 August 2007

Fiji police have put the treason investigation into the deposed prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, on hold.

The Fijilive news website quotes the director of the Criminal Investigation Department, Waisea Vakamocea, as saying they are still waiting for a report from the International Police Organisation, Interpol.

Mr Vakamocea says he has stressed the importance of the case to Interpol and sent them many reminders.

Police want Interpol to obtain information from the prime ministers of Australia and New Zealand about Mr Qarase's alleged request to them for military intervention at the time of the coup.

Instigating an invasion is tantamount to treason under Fiji law as is staging a coup.

Mr Qarase, who plans to return to Suva for a few days next week, has denied that he asked for military intervention.

But the Australian prime minister told the media at the time hat he did not want Australian troops fighting in the streets of Suva.