Thursday, July 13, 2000 10.45pm
Coup leader George Speight in a press conference tonight said all arms will be returned to the military once a decision
has been made between
Ilisoni Ligairi, his head of security during the hostage crisis, and the army. Speight freed deposed Prime Minister
Mahendra Chaudhry and 17 other colleagues at 5.15pm today.
On Sunday the rebel leader and Military commander Commodore Frank Bainimarama signed the Muanikau Accord which stated
that the hostages would be released on the day of the Great Council of Chiefs meeting.
Speight signed the accord after most of his demands were met.
Speight's rebels have been given 24 hours to return the arms.
Speight said he will continue to fight the indigenous cause till the end and despite releasing the hostages.
He said he was reminded that in all coups, the coup leader takes over government. In his case, he has not, he stated.