22 Jun 2007

Fiji's interim regime restates commitment to its plans

3:23 pm on 22 June 2007

Fiji's interim prime minister says his administration will not be moved by attempts by the international community to sabotage the purpose of the December 5 military takeover.

Commodore Frank Bainimarama has told troops at the Sukanaivalu barracks in Labasa that "nobody and nothing will change the plans laid down since December 5 which is to rid Fiji of corrupt practices."

The Fiji Times quotes Commodore Bainimarama as saying the interim administration will see that what they started will be fully accomplished as they approach elections.

He says the purpose of December 5 was to clean up corruption and nobody will dictate to Fiji on how they proceed on the issue.

Commodore Bainimarama says the reason for the New Zealand government's attitude to Fiji was its failure to solve the impasse between the military and the ousted SDL government in a meeting in Wellington late last year.

He says bilateral relations between Fiji and New Zealand are much broader and deeper then the hype that has been generated in New Zealand over the expulsion of its high commissioner, Michael Green.

Commodore Bainimarama says Fiji remains open to dialogue with New Zealand which should not impose harsh sanctions.