14 Feb 2007

Fiji regime to lift some travel bans imposed after December coup

7:36 pm on 14 February 2007

Fiji's interim administration will lift the travel bans on most people which were imposed after the military takeover in December.

This has been confirmed by the interim attorney general, Aiyaz Sayed-Khayum, who says the bans will go next week after daily security assessment.

But Mr Sayed-Khayum says travel bans will remain on people who are currently under investigation for fraud, alleged misappropriation of public funds, or are about to face a tribunal or a court of law.

But Radio Legend says it is unclear whether the deposed prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, other ousted ministers, sacked members of various government boards and democracy activists will be allowed to travel when the bans are lifted.

The military spokesman, Major Neumi Leweni, is quoted as saying they will review the people on the banned list on Monday after which the military will be able to say whose travel is not restricted.