29 Aug 2007

Fiji's deposed PM still plans to travel to Suva at some point

7:31 pm on 29 August 2007

Fiji's deposed prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, is not abandoning his plans to travel to Suva despite a death threat and an apparent ban by Air Fiji on flying him there.

Mr Qarase had booked a flight from his home island of Vanuabalavu to Suva at the end of this week but then received a phone call from somebody claiming to be from the military who told him that if he did, he would be killed on arrival.

Air Fiji also advised him that the military had rung to say not to allow him onto the flight.

Mr Qarase says the threats won't put him off from attempting to get to Suva.

"I'm still determined to go. If I have a means of transport to go over, then I will go. I'm hoping that the military and the airline will change their decision and allow me to travel."

Laisenia Qarase.

The military spokesperson, Lt.Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga, denies that there were any threats or instructions issued and Mr Qarase remains free to travel around the country.