10 Apr 2008

Fiji NGO says interim government likely to ignore ruling if it loses court battle

7:51 pm on 10 April 2008

Fiji's Centre for Public Integrity says it can't see the interim regime being willing to recall parliament, even if a court ruling finds it is illegal.

A case was brought by the ousted prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, who claims that the interim government led by the military commander, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, is illegal.

Arguments in the case were heard over two weeks, with the court due to deliver its ruling on notice

The centre's executive director, Angie Heffernan, says she can't see the judgement going in Mr Qarase's favour.

She says she can't envisage the interim government being willing to hand over the reins.

"And that's not trying to be negative, at all, it's just that we've got a bunch of people here who basicall came in through force, they've gained and benefited a lot through the short term they've been in power, and they're not about to willingly let go. The whole issue of the charter process we believe is a farce. if they do abrogate the constitution, having that as a precursor to form the basis of a new constitution."

Angie Heffernan.

The Interim Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khayum says he doesn't comment on speculation.