Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Fiji interim administration defends reimposition of emergency regulations

Posted at 22:53 on 18 September, 2007 UTC

Fiji’s interim prime minister says people should not be concerned about the re-introduction of the Public Emergency Regulations because it does not pose a threat to their safety and security.

Commodore Bainimarama says Fiji’s NGOs are making a lot of comments on the regulations because they are paid by Australia, New Zealand and the United States to do that.

Commodore Bainimarama says if a local says he is bothered by the Public Emergency Regulations, then he will look at them.

He says the emergency regulations had been lifted at the end of May but many businesses, homeowners and families all wanted soldiers back on the streets because of the increase in violent crime.

Commodore Bainimarama says the emergency regulations were brought back because of statements by the deposed prime minister Laisenia Qarase.