Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Ousted Fiji PM hopes to fix Suva travel plans today

Posted at 01:50 on 30 August, 2007 UTC

Fiji’s deposed Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase says he is hoping ongoing negotiations with Air Fiji and the military will enable him to fly to Suva.

Earlier this week, Mr Qarase claimed that he had received a telephone call from someone purporting to be from the military warning him that he would be killed if he returned to Suva.

He says Air Fiji told him that the military had also asked them not allow him on board their flights.

The military has denied making the death threats and Air Fiji now says there was no directive to take Mr Qarase off the passenger list.

Mr Qarase says he is optimistic that a decision will be made by the end of the day.

“I still want to travel and our people in Suva are still talking to the airline and to the military and I expect some confirmation later today.”

Laisenia Qarase