| Time |
Events |
| 10.30am
10.30-11am
|
 | Close to 5000 supporters of the Taukei Movement and
Nationalist Vanua Tako Lavo Party marched to Parliament House to
protest the policies of the People’s Coalition government, led by
Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry.
| A red four-wheel-drive zigzagged through the city
followed by another minibus loaded with gunmen, which was chased by
police.
| A group of seven gunmen, led by businessman George
Speight, entered Parliament. Two men had balaclavas on, while the
rest were in jeans and wearing caps, some brandishing pistols,
others M-16 guns. Members of the takeover gang were later identified
as soldiers of the elite First Meridian Squadron (the military’s
Counter-Revolutionary Warfare Unit, established after the 1987
coups).
| Two gunshots were fired inside Parliament to warn
the Speaker, Dr. Kurasaqila and Opposition members to leave
| Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and his Ministers
were handcuffed and made to kneel.
| Fijian members of government were taken into the
Parliament Chambers, under guard. Indo-Fijian members were taken to
the Government Members Office with the windows and doors locked
without allowing light into the room. Chaudhry and the other
hostages were heavily guarded by men toting Uzi and M16 rifles.
Among the hostages is Adi Koila Nailatikau, daughter of the
President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara |
| | | | |
|
| 1.30pm |
| George Speight held a press conference where he
named his interim Prime Minister, Ratu Timoci Silatolu and Minister
for Home Affairs Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure
| Former Prime Minister Mr. Sitiveni Rabuka arrived
in Parliament as mediator between the President, Ratu Sir Kamisese
Mara and the terrorists
| After hearing of the takeover of Parliament,
looters broke into shops and supermarkets in central Suva taking
groceries, jewellery, clothes, shoes and electronic goods. Police
reported 16 shops were burnt within the vicinity of Suva and over
160 looted, with damage estimated at between F$30-60 million. |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Saturday
20 May 2000 |
| 12.55pm |
| George Speight organised a meeting before
international and local journalists, and claimed authority over the
country. He proceeded to name members of a new government (This
supposed government has not been recognised by international
authorities). Coup leader Speight swore in Ratu Jope Seniloli as
President of the self-proclaimed "Taukei Civilian
Government". Mr. Speight was sworn in as Interim Prime Minister
then others were sworn in before Ratu Jope Seniloli as members of
his Cabinet. The names put forward for the new regime were: |
- Deputy Prime Minister Timoci Silatolu
- Attorney General and Minister of Justice Ratu
Rakuita Vakalalabure
- Minister for Housing and Urban Development
Viliame Volavola
- Minister for Youths and Sports Peceli Rinakama
- Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Isireli
Leweniqila
- Minister for Land and Mineral Resources Iliesa
Duvuloco
- Minister for Works and Energy Viliame Savu
- Minister for Information Simione Kaitani
- Asst. Minister for Lands Mitieli Bulanauca
- Asst. Minister for Education Manasa Moce
- Asst. Minister for Urban Development Eroni
Lewaqai
- Asst. Minister for Environment Antonio
Tanaburenisau
- Asst. Minister for Forest Lepani Tonitonivanua
| Deputy Prime Minister of the People’s
Coalition Government Dr. Tupeni Baba was brought before the media.
He appealed to the army not to intervene after rebel leader Speight
received a letter from the RMF. |
|
| |
| A curfew was enforced from 6pm- 6am and President
Ratu Mara declares a State of Emergency. |
|
| |
|
| |
Sunday
21 May 2000 |
| |
| A range of local and overseas authorities condemns
the coup. International condemnation includes Australia, New
Zealand, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, the United States and the
Commonwealth. |
|
| |
| The National Council of Women and other women’s
groups establishes a daily vigil for peace and reconciliation at the
Holy Trinity Cathedral. The vigil continues every day from 12 to 2pm
in spite of death threats from Speight supporters to key organisers
of the vigil |
|
| |
| The Pacific Concerns Resource Centre (PCRC) issues
a statement opposing the armed take over |
|
| |
| Speight releases a number of hostages including
assistant Ministers John Ali, Lekh Ram Vayeshnoi and Gaffar Ahmed |
|
| |
|
| |
Monday 22
May 2000 |
| |
| Rebels ask youths to take up arms. About 100 young
men were invited by self proclaimed Prime Minister, George Speight.
| These young men were separated into smaller groups
to guard the perimeters of the Parliament complex, where the
hostages were being held, as a precautionary measure in preparation
for any attacks. Over the next two days, hundreds of people move in
and out of the Parliamentary complex, which remains under the
control of the hostage takers.
| Fijian Chiefs meet to gauge the President's
support. The Bose Levu Vakaturaga (Great Council of Chiefs) convened
for a three day meeting to reaffirm the support behind the President
Ratu Kamisese Mara
| President asks the media to stop giving rebel group
prominence; the President asks Fiji One TV (the only TV station in
the country) not to broadcast statements by George Speight and his
supporters, to remove all cameras and broadcasting equipment to 1km
radius from the parliament building and not to over fly that
vicinity with either a fixed wing or helicopter to a radius of 5km
| There are claims by international media that Prime
Minister Chaudhry was assaulted while in detention |
| | | |
|
| |
|
| |
Tuesday
23 May 2000 |
| 9-10am |
| Great Council of Chiefs meeting begins at the
Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Queen Elizabeth Barracks
| A traditional apology was presented to the Chiefs
of the Council by the Province of Tailevu (where Speight is from).
Ratu Tevita Leiloma (Roko Tui Tailevu) made the apology on behalf of
Speight for his statements criticising the Council, which was
accepted.
| The GCC had come to a resolution and that was to 'declare
their support to the President and the efforts he was pursuing to
return Fiji to normalcy. |
| |
|
| 4pm |
| Two hostages were released on medical grounds,
Labour Members of Parliament Michael Columbus and Naresh Kumar |
|
| |
| Prime Minister Chaudhry suffered broken ribs, after
a third degree bashing by members of the terrorist group according
to Acting People's Coalition Party Leader Tevita Momoedomu.
| Dr. Adhar together with Heart Specialist Dr. Bhagat
Ram were allowed into the Parliament complex to attend to the
hostages |
|
|
| |
| Curfew extended to the towns of Nausori and Labasa
- 8pm - 5am |
|
| |
| People wanting to drive during the curfew hours
have to obtain a permit from Police Station and to provide valid
reasons. |
|
| |
|
| |
Wednesday
24 May 2000 |
| |
| The Crest Chicken Ltd factory in Colo-i-Suva was
burnt down overnight, in a suspected arson attack
| Commonwealth Secretary General, Don McKinnon and UN
Representative of the Secretary General Sergio Vieira de Mello
arrive in Suva to meet with the President, government authorities
and the hostage takers. The two envoys visited the hostages held in
captivity at the Parliament complex where Mr. de Mello urged Speight
to release the hostages. The envoys were told by Speight not to
interfere. |
|
|
| |
| Ratu Rakuita (the Taukei Civilian Government
representative) made his presentation to the GCC meeting on three
main issues: that they include abolishment of the 1997 Constitution,
the approval for amnesty for those involved in the coup, and an
acceptance of the Civilian Governments mode of administration. |
|
| |
| Speight should be charged with treason according to
mediator, Sitiveni Rabuka |
|
| |
| The Catholic Church condemns takeover
| Macuata Province declares support for President
Ratu Mara; Cakaudrove show support for Speight, while Ratu Josua
states that not all Chiefs of Tailevu support takeover
| Hostages Mahendra Chaudhry and son Rajendra were
pulled out and had guns pointed at them on the basis of an
allegation that they were encouraging a military attack on the
hostage camp |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Thursday
25 May 2000 |
| |
| Speight declares that Prime Minister Chaudhry will
be forced to resigned as soon as coup plotters will release him |
|
| |
| Ratu Mara is convinced the 1 year old government
led by Chaudhry must go
| Ratu Mara rejects the 1997 multi-racial
constitution, which replaced the 1990 document under which
Indigenous Fijian had exclusive rights to leadership
| Media reports state that Prime Minister Chaudhry
tells visitors (UN representative & Commonwealth Secretary
General) that he had been maltreated twice - on one occasion he was
dragged along the ground for about 15 meters and roughly handled |
| |
|
| |
| Speight rejects the Bose Levu Vakaturaga (Great
Council of Chiefs) 10 points resolution to resolve the current
political impasse. The BLV resolution states that the BLV agrees: |
- To give its full support to the President in its
effort to return Fiji to normalcy and out of the state of emergency
which now exists.
- That amendments be made to the 1997 constitution
and that this amendments should embrace all concerns that have been
expressed by the Taukei
- To give its full support to Ratu Kamisese Mara
as president of the republic of Fiji and Ratu Josefa Iloilo as Vice
President
- That a council of advisers be appointed to
assist Ratu Mara as President and as leader of the Interim
administration
- Ratu Mara has sole authority to appoint the
council of advisers and that some of these advisers be selected from
the group led by George Speight
- That Ratu Mara be asked to exercise his powers
to pardon all those who participated in the forcible takeover of
Parliament and the kidnapping of the People's Coalition.
- That Ratu Mara be requested to give full and
urgent attention to the grievances raised by various Taukei groups
during the recent protest marches with special attention given to
ensuring that the position of the President and the Prime Minister,
together with other senior government positions(unspecified)shall
always be held by indigenous Fijians and Rotumans
- That an immediate request be made for the
release of all hostages from the parliamentary complex and the
surrender of all fire arms to the police.
- That the interim administration have a definite
term and that it has a primary focus o the amendments to the 1997
constitution and the amendments necessary to subsidiary and related
legislation
- That it will continue to be available for
further dialogue with George Speight and his followers should the
need present itself.
|
| |
| Overnight, the office of Fiji Hard Wood Ltd. was
burnt down in central Suva in a suspected arson attack (Speight was
formerly Chairman of the company before his illegal takeover) |
|
| |
| There is no provision in the 1997 Constitution that
will allow Mr. Speight to be amnestied. |
|
| |
|
| |
FRIDAY 26
MAY, 2000 |
| 3pm |
| Eighth night since Speight took over PM Chaudhry's
government
| About 15 reserve and serving soldiers join the
hostage takers in the Parliamentary complex - led by Major Jone
Savua (brother of the police commissioner)
| George Speight rejects the GCC resolution
| 1st check point scuffle between police
and Speight supporters
| Britain, US, New Zealand and Australia increasing
disapproval, with threats of sanctions
| Gunman thumps armed soldier
| Police ask for army help at checkpoints
| Hindu temple stoned, shop burns at Baulevu Road in
Naitasiri |
| | | | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
Saturday,
27 May 2000 |
| |
| Mahendra Chaudhry and his deposed government
members are still being held hostage in Parliament
| Supporters of Speight wound two soldiers (Aseri
Rokoura) and an overseas cameraman (Jerry Harmer) during an attack
on the armed soldiers. The clash is as follows: |
|
|
| 11.30am |
| Men gathered and march towards the military
checkpoint about 200 metres away from the Parliamentary gates, about
300 metres from Suva Grammar School. |
|
| 11.35 |
| Men approach the checkpoint, a spokesman asks
soldiers to remove roadblock but soldiers have raised their weapons
warning men off |
|
| 11.40 |
| All hell breaks loose. Screaming, gunshots and
scuffles between civilians and military men. The civilians attempt
to wrestle weapons off the soldiers |
|
| 11.55 |
| Soldiers give up and run towards Suva Grammar
School and the Pacific Theological College. The civilian mob starts
to uproot the soldiers' tents and removing barbed wire and traffic
traps placed across the road. |
|
| 11.56 |
| The first civilian group returns to the
Parliamentary complex with barbed wire |
|
| 11.58 |
| The second group carrying two military tents enters
the complex singing a traditional Fijian war song |
|
| 12.00 |
| The men gather in front of the complex for a
briefing from executive security official |
|
| 12.10pm |
| Compound once again fills with the singing of the
womenfolk as more supporters trickle in. |
|
| |
|
| |
Sunday, 28 May 2000 |
| 8pm |
| Sunday night brings serious clashes and the death
of two people, when armed supporters of the Speight group attack
targets in central Suva:
| An angry group of men, numbering about 50, spill
out of the government offices at the Parliamentary complex and make
their way towards the back gate of Parliament. |
|
|
| 8.20pm |
| The mob spot FM96 radio personality Tukini Cama,
and several armed members of the group escort him into one of
government offices. A Fiji Times reporter dashes back to the
parliamentary bure to inform Viti FM's Malakai Veisamasama. |
|
| 8.30pm |
| Fiji Times reporter is ordered back into the bure
after trying to get to the parliamentary carpark.
| Two female journalists from New Zealand still
inside the compound are stopped and taken to one of the government
offices after trying to make their way out of the back gate. |
|
|
| 8.45pm |
| One Speight supporter and a gunman walk into the
bure and informed local journalists still present that their safety
could not be guaranteed and that they would be better off inside the
Fijian Association Party office where they will be provided with an
armed guard from the mob incensed at comments made on Fiji
Television's Close-up program. |
|
| 9pm |
| A mob attacks Fiji Television Limited in Gorrie
Street Suva, smashing equipment and putting the country’s only TV
station off air for two days. TV journalists and staff flee from the
building One group headed for the Central Police Station while the
other moved towards the suburb of Nasese.
| A police officer Filipo Seavula of Navala Village
in Ba was shot three times at a checkpoint at Domain. He later dies
from abdominal wounds in hospital. The shooting of a Fijian police
officer by supporters of the hostage takers increases calls for the
army to replace the unarmed police at roadblocks around the
Parliamentary complex.
| A security officer (Mr Paula Tupou) dies of a heart
attack while fleeing the mob during the shooting spree in Suva.
| Several of the local journalists with an armed
guard walk to the FAP office. Fiji Sun photographer Sitiveni Moce is
verbally abused by some of the bystanders near the office. |
| | |
|
| 9.10pm |
| Members of Speight’s security team confiscate all
mobile phones. The only foreign journalists present are from New
Zealand and a three-man television crew from the Philippines along
with their local driver. Several people pass the office, gesticulate
wildly at the journalists inside and show clenched fists at them.
The sound of cheering is heard outside. |
|
| 9.30pm |
| Two female journalists are taken back to their
hotel by a male colleague. The Filipino crew leaves shortly
afterwards with an armed escort. Two other Australian journalists
are allowed in to confirm the safety of their colleagues who have
decided to stay. They leave shortly afterwards. Local journalists
decide to stay after members of the territorial force of the Fiji
army who have joined Speight's group assure them of their safety.
However, they are not allowed outside for the remainder of the
night. |
|
| |
|
| |
Monday 29 May 2000 |
| |
| In an unprecedented move to find a quick solution
to the current political crisis, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara steps aside
from the Presidency to allow officers of the Fiji Military Forces to
run the country, after an approach by senior military officers. |
|
| |
| The country will be run by an interim military
government with the abrogation of the 1997 Constitution |
|
| 10pm |
| RFMF Commander, Commodore Frank Bainimarama,
resumed executive authority and declared Martial Law (treating
all civilians like soldiers). The military later issues a decree
abrogating the 1997 Consitution but also retaining all existing laws
apart from that. |
|
| |
| Commodore Bainimarama has placed Suva under curfew,
limited all movement to the Parliamentary complex to essential
services only, called members of the RFMF reserves into barracks for
the purposes of being deployed to support RFMF efforts. |
|
| |
| Speight supporters are taken in custody when they
leave the Parliament complex: Simione Kaitaini, Information Minister
in the Taukei Civilian Government and his brother Meli were arrested
overnight, when police find a gun in the vehicle they are travelling
in. Key activist Joe Nata, advisor to the Taukei Government and a
group of men responsible for carting goods and men in and out of
parliament were also arrested (Nata is later released from custody).
| With the increasing violence on Sunday night, the
murder of an unarmed Fijian police officer and an impasse over the
hostage crisis, the Fiji Military Forces step in and declare martial
law |
|
|
| |
| The military announce that Suva is placed under a
48 hour curfew with effect from 1800hrs today |
|
| |
| Former Fiji Military Forces Officer Major Joseva
Savua was reportedly arrested by soldiers at a Vatuwaqa checkpoint. |
| Major Savua is the younger brother of
Isikia Savua, who led a group of reserve soldiers to the
parliamentary complex in support for George Speight and his
group) |
|
| |
|
| |
Tuesday 30 May 2000 |
| |
| Early in the morning, the military announce that
the 48-hour curfew has been cancelled, to be replaced by an 8pm to
6am curfew nationwide.
| The Speight group is still holding hostage Prime
Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and members of his government |
|
|
| |
| The President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara and members of
his immediate family have been evacuated from Government House for
security reasons as they continue to receive threats on their lives
from elements believed to be members of self-styled taukei
leader George Speight's group. |
|
| |
| A report from Government House said the President
and his wife, Ro Lady Lala Mara are safe in the best of health |
|
| |
| Suva back in business, with some shops opening |
|
| |
| Five gunmen of Speight were arrested and beaten up
by soldiers and police.
| One of those arrested was treated at the Colonial
War Memorial Hospital for a fractured nose he suffered in the
beatings
| Three of the arrested men are members of the elite
First Meridian Squadron who were involved in the armed takeover of
the government almost two weeks ago
| Another, the driver for a former cabinet minister
held hostage by Speight, is the prime suspect in the murder of a
policeman who was shot three times on Sunday night.
| Three hostage takers' vehicles were confiscated, a
pistol found in one of them. |
| | | |
|
| |
| The military has quickly evacuated families of
people like to be targeted by Speight's thugs |
|
| Late night |
| Speight's supporters threatened to terrorise the
city again, this time to avenge "army and police
brutality" |
|
| |
| The army has been given the "shoot to
kill" order by their Commander, Commodore Frank Bainimarama |
|
| |
| Amy puts new laws in place
| Frank Bainimarama issued two decrees as he moved to
consolidate military authority over the country: |
|
| Decree No 1 of 2000, sets
aside the 1997 constitution and forms the legal basis for the
military takeover and the imposition of martial law, effective
from Monday, May 28.
Decree No 2 of 2000, allows
all existing laws to continue unless modified.
|
|
| |
| Commodore Bainimarama has indicated that his first
priority is to restore law and order and to secure the release of
the hostages. |
|
| |
| Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer seeks
urgent talks with army chief Commodore Frank Bainimarama.
| Speight is banned from entering Australia under
existing immigration laws |
|
| (Speight holds a permanent residency visa in
Australia) |
|
| |
| The Ministry of Education announces that all
schools would be closed and second term holidays have begun due to
the current crisis. |
|
| |
| Road Blocks at the following places: Rewa Dairy;
Bailey Bridge; Laucala Bay Road; Ratu Sukuna Road; Ratu
Sukuna/Muanikau; Muanikau Police Post; Duncan Road; Domain/Ratu
Cakobau/ Bowling Club; Marine Walu; Police Post Delainavesi; Wailoku
Police Post; ATG; Toorak Road; Waimanu Road; Holland Street/Fiji
Arts Club |
|
| |
| George Speight refused to release the People's
Coalition government members which his gunmen have held captive in
parliament for the last 11 days |
|
| |
| Speight has called for the resignation of the
Army Commander Commodore Frank Bainimarama head of the military
government under martial law |
|
| |
| Mr. Speight has made it clear that the release of
all the hostages hinges on the following:
| Amnesty for his men,
| The abrogation of the Constitution,
| And the resignation of the President, Ratu Sir
Kamisese Mara |
| | |
However, all these conditions have already been
achieved, and Speight continues to add new demands before the hostages
can be released.
|
| |
| The Army names as interim Prime Minister Ratu Epeli
Nailatikau, former army commander, husband of Adi Koila and
son-in-law of former President Ratu Mara. However he is unable to
establish any administration as negotiations continue with the
hostage takers. |
|
| |
|
| |
Wednesday
31 May 2000 |
| |
| Commodore Bainimarama postponed naming of members
of Interim Military Government until they are "sure that the
situation has stabilised to a point where they can be expected to
carry out their task, which is to put in place a viable constitution
and pure the way to next general elections and the return to
democratic rule" |
|
| |
| Military council comprising of some military
officers including Major General Sitiveni Rabuka (former Prime
Minister and coup leader in 1987) |
|
| |
| George Speight ruled out in the new Cabinet |
|
| |
| Military state conditions for membership of Cabinet
 | Apolitical i.e. Without any political
affiliations
| Credible
| And competent |
| |
|
|
| |
| Ratu Epeli Nailatikau as the Interim Prime Minister
is contacting members of his cabinet individually and consulting
with Military with the matter |
|
| |
| India sends a diplomat, S. Devare, secretary of
economic relations in the Foreign Ministry to Australia and India
"consultation" following declaration of martial law. He
will be visiting Suva as well PM Vajpayee nationalist BJP Party
urged government to take more active stand on Fiji and mobilise
strong global opinion to bring the crises to a speedy end. Party
also favoured trade and economic sanctions against Fiji if necessary |
|
| |
| Solomon Islands Council of Trade Union (SICTU)
imposes an indefinite ban on all shipping, air transport, passenger
and postal services to Fiji. President, David Tuhanuku said action
is in response to a request from the Fiji Council of Trade Unions,
the international trade union movement and the Australian Council of
Trade Unions called on the SI Authority, Solomon Airlines and postal
services and honor the ban |
|
| |
| People’s Coalition Government Minister Adi Ema
Tagicakibau, held hostage since 19 May, temporarily released to
attend sister's funeral on the understanding that she return to the
complex afterwards |
|
| |
| Hands of three major Christian denomination
presented their "i sevusevu" to Commodore Bainimarama, Rev
Tomasi Kanailagi (Methodist Church), Catholic Archbishop Petero
Mataca and Bishop Jabez Bryce of the Anglican Church in support of
military action in trying to bring stability to the country. |
|
| |
| Commodore Bainimarama, as interim head of state
reaffirmed that amnesty is granted to Mr. Speight and the six men
who stormed into Parliament but the amnesty did not include immunity
from criminal activities or the murder of the police officer on
Sunday night |
|
| |
| Said criminal investigations into the murder of
police constable, the shooting of two soldiers and an overseas
journalist and the destruction of the Fiji TV Head Quarters. Fiji TV
will proceed as normal. The army state that a amnesty will only be
granted after the hostages are released and firearms returned. |
|
| |
|
| |
Thursday,
1 June 2000 |
| |
| A decision on whether a military or civilian
Government will run the nation has been left to the Great Council of
Chiefs, but there is no schedule date for a meeting of the GCC. |
|
| |
| Speight has claimed support from the governments of
Papua New Guinea and Malaysia for the overthrow of the Chaudhry
government. Papua New Guinea however denies support for Speight and
repeats its condemnation of the hostage takings. |
|
| |
| Two Maori activist, Mr Tama Iti and Tony Sinclair
arrived in the country to support Speight. |
|
| |
| Trade unions in NZ are pushing for a complete black
ban against Fiji.
| The council resolved:
| To support the proposed sanctions by the NZ Govt;
handling of cargo to and from Fiji be banned; to persuade all New
Zealand businesses to suspend trading with Fiji; to boycott Fiji as
a tourist destination and to stop advertising and promoting Fiji;
boycott NZ goods; to stop sporting contacts with Fiji; that unions
raise funds to help the FTUC; to work together with international
trade unions in other countries to suspend all aid, technical and
defence ties and that all trade preferential access be removed |
| |
|
| |
| Australia announcers its commitment in implementing
sanctions against Fiji's Military take over |
|
| |
| Canada proposes Fiji's suspension from the
Commonwealth |
|
| |
Friday, 2
June 2000 |
| |
| One of George Speight's supporters who was among a
group which was terrorising residents at Vuda Road is shot in the
legs by the army. |
|
| |
|
| |
Saturday, 3 June 2000 |
| AM |
| Twenty-one people are arrested for breaching curfew
laws. They are expected to appear in court soon. |
|
| |
| Mr Speight speaks to reporters at the parliamentary
complex. He announces he is confident of being the interim Prime
Minister and he would be accepted by the GCC. |
|
| PM |
| Military officials await the arrival of Mr Speight
and his advisors at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks (QEB) for
negotiations. Only one of his men, Tevita Bukarau attends the
meeting. The RFMF is disappointed. Negotiations between RFMF and Mr
Speight breaks down.
| Ba chiefs decide they want to form their own
government. |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Sunday, 4 June 2000 |
| AM |
| Church service held inside the parliamentary
complex in Veiuto. Attendance was not as much as it was last week.
| Speight's guards claim that the Fiji Times is
biased and unfair.
| Negotiations between the army and Speight's men
rescheduled after a breakdown the day before. |
| |
|
| PM |
| Negotiations continue. |
|
| |
|
| |
Monday, 5 June 2000 |
| AM |
| Red Cross continues with its humanitarian
assistance at Parliament. |
|
| PM |
| More mattresses and food supply are taken for
hostages. |
|
| |
| Two men appear in court for bashing a policeman
outside Parliament. They are bailed at $3000 each to appear on June
22
| Western Chiefs meet and decide that Mahendra
Chaudhry will head their proposed Western Government. |
|
|
| |
| Both sides hold back. Military will not take any
more demands from the rebels and have refused to pass executive
powers to the GCC before its three months term is over.
| Press conference at the Parliament complex (6pm).
Speight goes against Bainimarama's claims that they (Speight's
group) want to be part of the interim government. He reaffirms that
he would keep the hostages for as long as it takes for GCC to
appoint a civilian government.
| Press Statement by Military: Commodore Bainimarama
says he has the support from the vanua.
| Air Pacific flight leaves without its normal export
cargo because of Australian Congress of Trade Unions boycott of Fiji
in and outbound cargo, mail and products. |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
Tuesday, 6 June 2000 |
| AM |
| Garment industry reveals thousands may lose their
jobs. Garment manufacturers such as Mark Halabe and Ramesh Solanki
attack the Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) and their Australian
counterparts, over union bans which restrict supplies. FTUC replies
that garment owners are using crisis to attack wages and conditions. |
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| PM |
| FSC reveals that 210 workers from its Labasa sugar
mill were laid off last week. |
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| Both military and Speight's sides hold their
ground. |
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| Military press conference: Commodore Bainimarama
reiterates that Speight must give up and release the hostages.
| The 3pm deadline for soldiers involved at
parliament to return is over. Only 1 officer and two soldiers march
back into the military camp. The rest have been decommissioned and
dismissed. |
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Wednesday, 7 June 2000 |
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| Fiji partially suspended from Commonwealth. |
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| Military and Speight supporters in brief firefight
but no casualties reported. |
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Thursday, 8 June 2000 |
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| A policeman is being bashed by George Speight's
supporters and suffers serious facial injuries. |
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| The Immigration Department restricts issues and
renewal of passports- new passport blanks have to be ordered from UK
after the supply runs out. About 400 people are day are leaving the
country. |
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| Workers are encouraged by their employers to call
on FTUC to call off trade bans imposed by overseas unions. |
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Friday, 9 June 2000 |
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| Merchant Bank Chief Laisenia Qarase co-opted into
military council as advisor on finance. Qarase will later be
suggested as a possible leader of the interim civilian
administration. |
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| 2000 lose jobs as economic crisis worsens. |
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Saturday, 10 June 2000 |
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| Speight supporters leave Parliament and try to
break through police road block. Repulsed by police, they burn and
destroy a seaside restaurant instead. |
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Sunday, 11 June 2000 |
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| Tui Vuda and former Vice President Ratu Josefa
Iloilo meets military on appointment of President after West chiefs
and rebels back him for the position. |
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Monday, 12 June 2000 |
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| Soldiers at a military checkpoint near parliament
open fire on two vehicles, one containing Speight. Speight,
uninjured, claims it is an assassination attempt. Soldiers deny
this, stating that Speight and his support car tried to run the road
block without stopping. |
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Tuesday, 13 June 2000 |
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| The Fiji Under -21 rugby tour of New Zealand called
off after the team was denied visas by the New Zealand government. |
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Wednesday, 14 June 2000 |
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| The military says talks with Speight were
"back on track" after Ratu Iloilo agrees to mediate. |
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Thursday, 15 June 2000 |
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| Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) led by
Malaysian Foreign Minister, including Australian Foreign Minister
Alexander Downer and his New Zealand counterpart, Phil Goff arrive
for one day to assess Fiji situation. The CMAG group holds meetings
with the army, churches, community groups etc, but refuses to meet
Speight. |
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Friday, 16 June 2000 |
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| CMAG departs, saying Fiji will return to democracy
rule in two years. |
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Saturday, 17 June 2000 |
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| Military announces it will appoint civilian Cabinet
but hold on to Head of State until situation returns to normalcy.
Military accepts only three of Speight's nominees to an interim
Cabinet, but stresses it will determine membership of the interim
administration. |
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Sunday, 18 June 2000 |
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| Talks between rebels, military and Tui Vuda on the
membership of an interim Cabinet and a Constitution review
commission begins. |
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Monday, 19 June 2000 |
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| Talks continue. |
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Tuesday, 20 June 2000 |
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| The hostage crisis continues. |
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| Schools on main Islands of Vanua Levu and Viti Levu
and University remain closed. Outer island schools (on Kadavu,
Taveuni, Lau etc) recommence today |
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Wednesday, 21 June 2000 |
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| Public Service Commission announces they are
considering a 20% pay cut for all public servants (teachers, nurses,
police and other sectors) |
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Thursday, 22 June 2000 |
| |
| Talks between the military and George Speight's
group came to an abrupt end because Speight's group were not happy
with an amended draft prepared by the military group. |
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| |
| The new negotiation committee will comprise three
from each group. The GCC represented by Ratu Epeli Kanaiwai, Adi
Litia Cakobau, Ratu Osea Gavidi. Army representative Commodore
Bainimarama, Lieutenant-Colonel Filipo Taraikinikini and
Lieutenant-Colonel Jerry Waqanisau. George Speight, Tevita Bukarau
and Vodo Tuberi are from the rebel group. The meeting was co-chaired
by Ratu Josefa Iloilo and Ratu Epeli Kanaiwai |
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| |
| Rewa villagers back Speight for the coup and demand
a Taukei government and the abrogation of the 1997 constitution. |
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| Rebel soldiers train close to 170 young men in
self-defence at the Parliament. The youngest is about 10 years old
and the oldest no more than 35. The idea behind training them was
not only to set up a civilian army but also to keep them occupied,
disciplined and out of trouble. |
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| More professionals to leave the country because of
the crisis. An estimated 700 people leave Fiji a day - many
tourists, but also Fiji citizens. Japanese tourism has dropped to
10% of normal levels, other tourism numbers down by 60%. |
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| Ministry of Education announces that Classes to
resume next week but new exam timetables set. The Army says it will
protect schools with patrols. |
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