“Brutal Military Regime” Has No Intentions of Returning to Democracy According to Ousted Fijian Prime Minister
January 25, 2007
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Radio New Zealand is reporting that the military and its backed government have been given full authority in Fiji following last month’s coup, as President Ratu Joefa Iloilo issued a decree that validates “all (the military’s) declarations and decisions.”  All the decisions made by the military command following the coup will “remain in full effect.”  The decree also says that “all people sacked by the military should regard themselves as terminated.” 

The interim government has announced it has given itself a five year time frame “to complete its clean-up campaign.”  Ousted Fijian Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase says this is more evidence that military leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama “wants to be in control for as long as possible,” and that he will not lead the country towards democracy.  Qarase calls the current Fijian government a “brutal military regime,” and that the “interim ministers are really his (Bainimarama’s) puppets.” 

For more information on the Fiji coup, please see the follow CCD reports:

12.5.06: “Fiji Military Takes Control of Government in Bloodless Coup; PM Calls on Citizens to Fight for Democracy”
12.12.06: “Latest Coup in Fiji Marks Potential “Archipelago of Failed States” According to Regional Observers”

References:

Radio New Zealand: Ousted Fiji PM doubts military commander will push towards fresh elections
Radio New Zealand: Fiji president signs decree to validate all military decisions