National Radio Midday Bulletin

Fiji Coup- Fiji Riots - Fijian Indians - International Reaction- Fire Service - Employment Relations - Zimbabwe Elections - Ethiopia War - Pca Perceptions - Prison Education - Transrail Relations - Marineland Dolphins

FIJI COUP: Foreign companies in Fiji are taking measures to protect their staff as the coup enters its second week. Overnight coup leader George Speight has rejected the deal from the Council Of Chiefs which would have dissolved the Choudhry Government and pardoned the rebels, as not being good enough. Companies have sent their staff home from work, and many have evacuation plans for their staff.

FIJI RIOTS: Meanwhile there has been more rioting on the streets of Suva overnight. More supporters to Mr Speight have streamed into the parliamentary complex and there is much singing and dancing. Mr Speight has issued a list of new demands to the council of chiefs.

FIJIAN INDIANS: Meanwhile Fijian Indians are concerned that the racist environment created by the Speight coup will make it

INTERNATIONAL REACTION: The United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan has joined international heads of Government in attacking the Council of Chiefs decision to dissolve the elected Choudhry Government.

FIRE SERVICE: The Fire Service is warning the public about the dangers of poorly installed wood burners after a fire destroyed a house killing two people overnight.

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS: The Prime Minister Helen Clark is signaling a willingness to soften the Employment Relations Bill making it less proscriptive.

ZIMBABWE ELECTIONS: The Zimbabwe Government has again been accused of ignoring the rule of law as land is continued to be seized from white settlers. Meanwhile NZ Diplomat Chris Laidlaw will be part of the international observer group which overseas the upcoming elections.

ETHIOPIA WAR: Ethiopia says it will not consider the war with neighbour Eritera unless it withdraws fully from a disputed border area.

PCA PERCEPTIONS: The Justice Minister Phil Goff is concerned about the public perceptions of the Police Complaints Authority and is expected to issue a statement about it.

PRISON EDUCATION: The Green Party Nandor Tanzcos will met with Matt Robson next week over his concerns about the ending of an outside education programme for inmates.

TRANSRAIL RELATIONS: Transrail says it is improving relations between management and crew aboard the ferry so as to enhance the safety systems on the ship. Two employees died on the ferries last year.

MARINELAND DOLPHINS: Napier’s Mayor Allen Dicks says there is a working party which is deciding on the fate of the Marineland complex after two dolphins died in captivity this year.

© Scoop Media