Issue No: 921; 6 July 2001

This was revealed by the soldiers charged for terrorism and mutiny related offences. In affidavits sworn to support their case for their release, they stated that the military had supported the terrorists' actions and had provided food and weapons to the terrorists.

Today's Fiji Times reports that the rebel soldiers "claim that senior officers, including Lieutenant Colonel Filipo Tarakinikini, met them at the parliamentary complex on several occasions during the hostage crisis to express their support".

Tarakinikini has now been employed by the United Nations in its Peacekeeping Department. His appointment follows a letter by regime's Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase to the UN Secretary General saying that Tarakinikini was cleared of the charges against him. It was later revealed that Qarase had lied to the UN.

Other affidavits of the rebel soldiers reveal that the military had ordered soldiers to hide arms and ammunitions in the jungles of Nabukavesi, Namosi and Balenabelo. The terrorists claimed some support in these areas. They also stated that food was supplied to the soldiers on the Parliamentary Complex from the military, and that the parliament `guard duties' were organised by the military.

The revelations confirm earlier reports that a section of the military, led by Filipo Tarakinikini, Ulaiasi Vatu and Etuweni Caucau, amongst others, were working for the terrorists from within the military. One sources says that initially the plan was for Tarakinikini to be made the Commissioner of Police; Vatu the Military Commander, Police Chief Isikia Savua the Prime Minister, and former PM Sitiveni Rabuka the President.