Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

UN Security Council calls on Fiji’s military to excercise restraint

Posted at 23:06 on 29 November, 2006 UTC

The United Nations Security Council has expressed concern about a possible a coup in Fiji and has urged its military to peacefully resolve its differences with the government.

Peruvian Ambassador, Jorge Voto-Bernales, says Council members are calling on the Fiji military to excercise restraint and avoid taking any action which would undermine the rule of law and run counter to the best interests of the people of Fiji.

He says the 15-nation council supported all efforts, whether in Fiji or by its regional and international partners, to bring about a peaceful and lasting resolution of current political differences according to Fiji’s constitution.

Commodore Frank Bainimarama has repeatedly threatened to remove Laisenia Qarase’s elected government unless it drops several pieces of controversial legislation, including a bill that would grant amnesty to those involved in a coup in 2000.

Fiji has suffered three coups since 1987.

Commodore Bainimarama was almost killed in a failed but bloody mutiny linked to the 2000 coup and blames Mr Qarase for being soft on those behind the coup.