Fijian Holdings denies financing terrorists, SDL

Issue No: 793; 24 May 2001

 
The Fijian Holdings Ltd has denied financing the terrorists who took over the Parliament Complex last year.

In a TV news interview last night, the company's CEO, Sitiveni Waleilakeba stated that the company had not given funds to the terrorists. He also denied reports that the company was financing Laisenia Qarase's political party the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL).

The denials come after a document listing Fijian Holdings as a financier of the terrorists was displayed by the TV station.

Some terrorists, who were frustrated with Speight not releasing them the money they were promised for their part in storming the Parliament, had informed some hostages in the Parliament Complex that the original choice of the "face" of the terrorists was Sitiveni Waleilakeba. But after Waleilakeba got "cold feet", they recruited Speight.

Meanwhile, the Fijian Holdings has reportedly bought one of the properties sold by SVT Finance Minister and alleged coup financier Jim Ah Koy. Ah Koy, whose empire is collapsing, has put over 30 properties on the market. The Fijian Holdings is interested in purchasing other properties as well.

Opponents of Qarase's SDL have stated that there are strong possibilities of a deal between the Fijian Holdings Ltd, Jim Ah Koy and the SDL for funds from the Fijian Holdings to be channelled through such sales to the SDL.

The Fijian Holdings Ltd is a state sponsored company to increase ethnic Fijian participation in the commercial world. Laisenia Qarase, the regime's Prime Minister, was a director of the Fijian Holdings, as well as the Managing Director of the Fiji Development Bank. His own role in squandering public funds has been questioned earlier (see: http://www.pcgov.org.fj/docs_c/fijian_holdings_fdb_details.htm )

 

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