25 Jun 2003

Security breach in Fiji ahead of South Pacific Games

6:13 am on 25 June 2003

Attempts have been made to breach security precautions for the South Pacific Games which are to begin in Suva on Saturday.

Radio FM-96 says the acting police commissioner, Moses Driver, has confirmed that someone has tried to infiltrate Games security meetings.

Mr Driver says the man tried to obtain information and briefings on what went on during these meetings.

Mr Driver says given the level of terrorist threats the world over, games security cannot be compromised at any cost.

Meanwhile, police security preparations for the games have been given a boost with the New Zealand High Commission giving six X-ray machines and metal detectors today.

Games organisers have confirmed that police will also provide special security for the 15 heads of state and senior government officials who will at the two week games.

The President of Palau and the Governor General of Tuvalu are already in Suva with their countries' teams.

The organisers fear that any security mishap will be a public relations disaster for Fiji.