Fiji military head warns off NZ and Australia
The Fiji military commander, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, has warned New Zealand and Australia not to support moves to
have him replaced with an outsider.
The Commodore made the comment as the SDL leader, Laisenia Qarase, is about to be sworn in as the new prime minister.
Commodore Bainimarama has a long-running feud with Mr Qarase over the possible release of coup convicts under a proposed
Reconcilition and Unity bill.
He has told a news conference in Suva that he is also against attempts to have an outsider take over his post.
Commodore Bainimarama whose reappointment came with the support of New Zealand now alleges that New Zealand is to
provide a replacement for him.
Meanwhile Mr Qarase is expected to announce a new government that includes Labour Party members who are to be invited in
line with the constitution.
He says he has secured the support of the two independents and can proceed to form an administration.
He made the assessment before the result has been declared in the Laucala Open seat where the SDL victory was so narrow
that a recount was ordered.
The Fiji Labour Party and its coalition partner have 33 seats, the SDL has at least 35 and two are held by independents
in the 71-member parliament.