TV1 6pm News Bulletin (First Segment)

Fijian Crisis - Speight’s Demands - Fiji Violence - Fiji-NZ Sport - Business Confidence Drops - Govt Reaction

FIJIAN CRISIS: Tension remains high in Suva with no apparent end in sight to the 13 day old crisis. Today coup leader George Speight refused to accept the military candidate for interim Prime Minister. Meanwhile the military are frustrated that Mr. Speight refuses to talk about the release of the thirty hostages held inside cabinet grounds.

SPEIGHT’S DEMANDS: The last of Mr. Speight’s demands, that he have a place in the next Government, is one of many of Mr. Speight’s shifts after he has been given what he wants. So far Mr Speight has asked for and got the sacking of the President and the Prime Minister, the dissolution of the country’s constitution and an amnesty from prosecution after he releases his hostages.

FIJI VIOLENCE: Violence has also broke out again on the streets near the Parliament. An Australian news team’s car was attacked and Indian taxi drivers have been robbed of their vehicles and money by supporters of coup leader George Speight.

FIJI-NZ SPORT: The coup is also affecting sports teams – the Fijian netball national side has already cancelled a tour of New Zealand. NZ Rugby Union officials decide next week whether Fijian rugby sides can visit the country in upcoming tours.

BUSINESS CONFIDENCE DROPS: A slump in business confidence is outlined in a new National Bank survey which shows businesses concerned about the future outnumber companies with a positive outlook by two to one.

GOVT REACTION: The Prime Minister claims that the down-look in confidence is part of teething problems businesses have with the new government. However businesses say the results are a wake-up call for Government who should be focusing on business concerns. Finance Minister Michael Cullen says there has been “inadequate communication” with businesses in the past few months but is pledging to listen to employers more.

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