18 Jan 2006

Fiji military to appoint board of inquiry into attempt to force commander's resignation

10:37 am on 18 January 2006

Fiji's military is to appoint a board of inquiry into last week's failed attempt to remove the army commander, Commodore Bainimarama.

The attempt was made by the newly-appointed Land Force Commander, Lt Col Jone Baledrokadroka, who was sent on leave pending his formal decommissioning.

The board of inquiry is expected to question Baledrokadroka on his attempt to get Commodore Bainimarama to step down and his alleged threat to shoot the commander.

The events last Thursday saw the military seal off its camps and the naval base near Lami as navy vessels patrolled the waters of Suva Harbour in an unusual show of force.

The board of inquiry will also look into allegations that outside forces had a hand in what happened at the army camp..

The military spokesman, Captain Neumi Leweni, has told Radio Legend that all officers alleged to have supported the attempt to remove the commander will be questioned.

Captain Leweni says the intelligence service will also be improved to ensure that elements who do not show allegiance to the military are tracked down and dealt with.