Paper calls for a army cleanup

Issue No: 924; 7 July 2001

 
The Fiji Sun has called for a clean-up in the army. The call comes after the rebel soldiers named numerous senior army officers as having a direct hand in the 19 May terrorism.

In a strong editorial written today, the paper states:

"The cancer of dissent within the military is more deadly and extensive than what we had been led to believe."

"Of course, in accusing senior army officers of supporting or even condoning the ousting of the People's Coalition Government, it does not necessarily mean that former soldiers of the army's elite squad, the Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW) Unit are telling the truth."

"Caught in a bind, they would do all they could to win their case and get their freedom back."

"One therefore should not be quick to point a finger at these officers and accuse them of being rebels and mutinous."

"We all should remind ourselves that all are innocent until proven guilty.

"But we have all good reasons to be wary and alarmed at the accusations now levelled by these CRW detainees."

"Not only are they naming senior army officers for being pro-coup, but the mind boggles at the sheer numbers of them and the high positions they hold."

"The insistence of Commodore Frank Bainimarama to surround himself with naval, and not military advisers, is now making sense."

"To say that he had to choose whom to trust is an understatement really."

"Now that these former CRW soldiers have come out with names, the Commander needs to act fast."

"Firstly, on-going investigations into the May 19 cup and the mutiny must pick up speed."

"The Caretaker Government can assist by channelling in more resources, manpower and money included, towards these investigations."

"Our foreign allies like Australia, New Zealand and the United States can help by bringing in independent investigators and funds."

"In addition, all these senior officers should act swiftly to clear their names."

"Perhaps they can start by stepping aside from their jobs to allow investigations into their role in the coup and the mutiny to proceed unhindered."

"No longer can the Commander or the echelon of the military think that such investigations are an internal matter that ought of be resolved internally."

"As the final bastion of law and order in this country, the military just cannot afford to allow this cancer of dissent to grow unresolved."

"Last year's mutiny proves that when the army is in uproar, the whole nation spirals into fear and unrest."

"A thorough cleansing therefore is called for and the watchword must be swiftness and fairness."

"Fiji demands no less."

 

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