23 Nov 2006

Fiji's PM pressured police Commissioner - says military

10:28 am on 23 November 2006

Fiji's military says they have credible intelligence reports that the prime minister is pressuring the police commissioner to investigate their commander, Commodore Bainimarama.

The commander of Land Forces, Col Pita Driti, has told Radio Legend that they have proof that such action has been taken.

Col Driti says both the prime minister and Commissioner Hughes have the same interest - which is to arrest Commodore Bainimarama.

Earlier, Col Driti, had warned Mr Hughes not to try and arrest Commodore Bainimarama because it would provoke matters and create instability.

Mr Hughes says he is carrying out his duties as laid down in the constitution and anyone who breaks the law will be brought to justice.

He says no one is applying political pressure on him to investigate Commodore Bainimarama.

Meanwhile, the minister for home affairs, Josefa Vosanibola, says the government will not agree to the military's demands to drop its three controversial Bills and to remove Mr Hughes as police commissioner.