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Issue No: 635; 28 March 2001
The SVT has revealed that it has already asked the President Ratu Josefa Iloilo and the regime Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase to pardon the terrorists who have been charged with treason. Today's Fiji Sun reports the SVT's Secretary, Jone Banuve saying that the SVT has also raised this matter with the Great Council of Chiefs, but so far nothing has eventuated. The Fiji Times today quotes the SVT's President Ro Epeli Mataitini as saying: "In the spirit of the GCC meeting of May 2000 the President should take note of the recommendations in the 10-point plan and exercise his powers to pardon those who participated in the events in Parliament on May 19 and in related episodes and actions". Similar calls were made by the right wing extremist group the Nationalist Vanua Tako Lavo Party. It is understood that the pressure for pardon of the terrorists comes from the SVT leadership, including MPs Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, Rakuita Vakalalabure, and Sam Speight, who were actively involved with the terrorists. Numerous Qarase regime members, including Qarase, have been identified as associated with the terrorists. It is also believed that the pressure also comes from a section of the largely ethnic Indian business community. It is believed that Speight has made overtures to the authorities that unless the terrorists are pardoned, they will reveal the identities of all those involved with them who have still not been charged. The SVT's President is further quoted by the Times as saying: "The SVT is of the view that these actions [pardon] are essential in the healing process for reconciliation to begin before going to the polls later this year". |
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People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands |
