6 Mar 2003

Fiji Labour Party wants secret report on former police commissioner released

9:17 am on 6 March 2003

The Fiji Labour Party has called on the President's Office to hand over a secret report on the former police commissioner and now ambassador to the United Nations, Col Isikia Savua.

The report clearing Col Savua of his alleged involvement in the coup was prepared by the controversial former chief justice, Sir Timoci Tuivaga.

The Labour Party leader, Mahendra Chaudhry, says the report should go to the police and the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to enable fresh investigations to take place.

This follows new revelations about Col Savua's involvement in the coup during the Josefa Nata and Timoci Silatolu treason trial.

Mr Chaudhry has called on the government to immediately recall Col Savua from the United Nations and the High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, to answer allegations about their complicity in the coup.

Meanwhile, the opposition leader, Mick Beddoes, says a media report of the disappearance of the Savua file is part of the government's cover-up of those involved in the coup.

He says such incidents are occurring too often and could be part of a bigger conspiracy.