Issue No: 733; 7 May 2001

So far calls have been made by numerous right wing political parties with exclusive ethnic Fijian membership, for the release of the terrorists. These parties include the SVT, the Nationalists, the newly formed Conservative Alliance, and factions of the Fijian Association and VLV.

But the strongest call came from a new political party formed by Naitasiri chiefs and members of the Qarase regime. Qarase is a major sponsor of this party, and is expected to formally announce his membership, and possible leadership of this party later this month.

The media reports the minutes of the party meeting as saying: "Laws can be set aside to allow for the release of those being held on Nukulau Island. Every Fijian ought to take up the call and lobby government for the release of the group"

The initiator of the party, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata is reported to have said: "There is no clear plans about those being held on Nukulau, in spite of the fact that they were fighting on behalf of the taukei [ethnic Fijians]".

Takiveikata was one of the more prominent supporters of the terrorists. His is also reported to be closely linked to the Nov 2 attempt at a coup and the failed mutiny.

Numerous members of the Qarase regime have been named as the main conspirators of the May and November attempted coups. It is believed that the name of one of Qarase's close associates, an ethnic Indian businessman, is also in the report prepared by the military officer Lt. Col. Viliame Seruvakula.

Meanwhile, an unnamed terrorist has informed the Daily Post that they were only being used by prominent people.