FIJI COUP: Martial Law – Rebels Response – PM Response – Travel – OTHER NEWS: Fire Mistakes – Overseas Investment –
Employment Bill – Peru – Northern Ireland – Crusaders Parade
FIJI COUP – MARTIAL LAW: Fiji is under Martial law this morning. Ratu Mara has agreed to step aside at the request of
senior army officers. It is believed he has taken refuge in a boat on the harbour. Mara was philosophical about stepping
aside.
FIJI COUP – REBELS: A spokesman for George Speight Joe Nata has welcomed the decision to impose martial law. They say
they will hold talks today which they believe will lead to an end to the crisis. The spokesman says the rebels have been
promised pardons.
FIJI COUP – PM: The NZ PM holds little hope that democracy is restored. If it is not NZ will hold sanctions. She says
she is concerned by the welcome to the move from George Speight.
FIJI COUP – TRAVEL: New Zealanders are heeding top level warnings to stay out of Fiji.
FIRE MISTAKES: The regional fire commander for South Island’s trans-alpine region has conceded there were command system
problems with a fire at Ernest Adams factory in which firemen were injured.
OVERSEAS INVESTMENT: Finance Minister Michael Cullen is calling on the Overseas Investment Commission to examine the
national interest test more rigorously when approving overseas investments. The move follows a decision not to allow the
sale of Brierley’s half share in the Sealord fishing quota overseas.
EMPLOYMENT BILL: National is calling for delays and another round of public submissions on the Employment Relations
Bill.
PERU: Peru’s newly re-elected President Fujimori is under seige at home and abroad with the US saying that the election
result is not valid and that the election is a threat to democracy in Latin America.
NORTHERN IRELAND: Northern Ireland’s power sharing assembly will be revived in a few hours after the Unionists agreed to
re-enter a relationship with Sinn Fein at Stormont.
CRUSADERS PARADE: The Christchurch City Council expects 100,000 Crusader fans to line the streets today for a victory
parade. The parade will be led by horses carrying folk in medieval costume.