29 Nov 2005

Two former Fiji soldiers leave PNG's Bougainville - report

9:18 am on 29 November 2005

A report from Papua New Guinea says two former Fiji soldiers have left Bougainville island, where they were accused of giving firearms training in a rebel-held area.

The news agency, Australian Associated Press, reports Fiji's high commissioner to Port Moresby, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, as saying Freddi Rokodi and Sam Baroi are expected to be escorted to the PNG capital today.

Ratu Inoke is quoted as saying he expects PNG authorities to interview the pair over claims they breached their visa conditions.

A Fiji diplomat tried to enter the rebel-held area to visit the men at Tonu during the weekend.

Six former Fiji soldiers are understood to still be in the no-go zone.

The controversy over the Fijians' activities has angered the PNG government and embarrassed Suva.