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Issue No: 942; 14 July 2001
Terrorist Ratu Inoke Takiveikata has had his visa application for Australia and New Zealand rejected by these two countries. Takiveikata has planned to visit these countries to raise funds for a religious project. Takiveikata has been charged with offences related to the 2 November failed mutiny and attempted coup. The Magistrate's Court had relaxed the bail conditions for Takiveikata to travel abroad. But appearing in court again this week, Takiveikata's lawyers stated that the bail sum should be reduced since he was not allowed entry into the two countries. Takiveikata is on the list of 152 persons who are banned from entering these countries for their involvement with the terrorists. This is part of the smart sanctions which Australia and NZ have put in place. Earlier the elected Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry had called on the Australian and NZ governments to not to allow Takiveikata to travel to their countries. See: http://www.pcgov.org.fj/hot_press/no906.htm Takiveikata, a high chief of the Naitasiri Province, is also a vice-president of Laisenia Qarase's new Fijian nationalist party Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL). Caretaker PM Qarase is the leader of the party. Meanwhile, the Naitasiri province is split
on account of Takiveikata trying to use the province for his political gains. A
landowner from Kalabu, Suliasi Raibevu has warned Takiveikata to stop mixing
politics with the provincial council. Provincial councils are funded by the
state. |
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People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands |
