SUVA, Fiji (23 May 2000) -- Fiji's Great Council of Chiefs condemned George Speight's coup attempt and called for the release of hostages held in Fiji's parliament. Rebel leader George Speight rejected the Council's decision to support President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara issuing a statement that Mara must step down "before the situation escalates and becomes uncontrollable by any authority in Fiji." Jo Nata who Speight named as his information minister told reporters the rebels will not release the remaining 10 hostages including Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry. The 50 members who make up the Great Council of Chiefs will meet again today to decide if Chaudry should be permitted to continue as prime minister or should be replaced by an interim government. | | Many nations including the United States, Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand have condemned the attempted coup and called for a democratic outcome to the political crisis. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
