Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

High ranking Fiji public servant cleared of conspiracy allegations

Posted at 22:04 on 02 May, 2006 UTC

Fiji’s Public Service Commission has cleared the chief executive of the home affairs ministry, Lesi Korovavala, of involvement in a conspiracy to overthrow the military commander, Commodore Bainimarama.

Commodore Bainimarama had lodged a complaint with the PSC that Dr Korovavala had conspired with the former Land Force Commander who is now in New Zealand, Col Jone Baledrokadroka, to stage a mutiny on January the 12th this year.

But the chairman of the PSC, Stuart Huggett, says the findings of an independent investigation do not provide any basis to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Dr Korovavala.

Mr Huggett says the report has found little if any evidence of collusion between Dr Korovavala and Col Baledrokadroka.

The military has expressed disappointment with the outcome but says it accepts the decision.

Meanwhile, the military is unable to proceed with court martial proceedings against Col Baledrokadroka because he remains in New Zealand.