26 Jan 2006

Fiji military, state head for new showdown

8:57 am on 26 January 2006

Fiji's prime minister will today analyse comments by his home affairs minister, Josefa Vosanibola, to ensure that it does not lead to yet another impasse with the military.

Laisenia Qarase has told Radio Legend that he will take this step after revelations that Mr Vosanibola has filed a complaint with the police against the army commander, Commodore Bainimarama.

The police have confirmed receiving a complaint from Mr Vosanibola and are examining Commodore Bainimarama's statements to see if they are seditious or treasonous.

This has resulted in the military announcing that it will make an official statement tomorrow.

A Fiji Times report today quotes Commodore Bainimarama as asking the prime minister what has happened to the agreement they reached in the presence of the acting president and commander-in-chief, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi, at Government House last week.

Commodore Bainimarama says Mr Vosanibola had "better be ready" for his reply tomorrow.