20 Dec 2006

Fiji military says Great Council deliberations will not alter military's plans

10:41 am on 20 December 2006

Fiji's military says any decisions made by the Great Council of Chiefs when they meet today and tomorrow will not affect the military council's planning on how they run the caretaker government.

Commodore Bainimarama says any decision by the chiefs to allow the SDL government to come back into power will not be wise because the military is now in control.

Commodore Bainimarama said this while explaining the military's stance in a Fijian language interview.

He said the military has executive authority in the country and any moves by the Chiefs to ignore their planning will just mean that their two day meeting will be a waste of money and time.

Commodore Bainimarama has also urged the Chiefs not to be influenced by some church leaders and others when they have their discussions.

Meanwhile, the military appointed caretaker prime minister, Dr Jona Senilagakali, has stressed that the chiefs should bear in mind that the military and its commander will need immunity from prosecution for overthrowing the government.