SUVA, Fiji (16 Mar 2001) -- Officials in Fiji's interim government defiantly lashed out at the international community for criticism of political turmoil in the island nation and economic sanctions. "We do not need your money," said Mosese Baravilala of Fiji's Ministry Lands and Mineral Resources. "You are the ones who need to use our resources so shouldn't you be begging instead of being so high and mighty with your democracy talk?" Fiji's economy has been crippled by the coup and international sanctions, but Baravilala told CDNN they were not concerned about international opinion or problems in Fiji's tourist industry and dive resorts. "We don't really care whether people outside like the solution or not because they won't understand anyway," Baravilala said. "Are we to be blamed that the world is getting smaller - that is your problem so you go and look for somewhere else to dive. We would like to preserve our resources for our future generations so go dive somewhere in the Dead Sea for all that we care." Reama Naco, a research officer in the government, told CDNN that the international community should mind its own business. | | Racist rebel George Speight on trial for treason. "Get a grip and stay out of our affairs," Naco warned. "I think we can pretty much deal with our own issues especially after the ruling of the Court of Appeal." © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
