SUVA, Fiji (5 June 2000) -- Military leaders told Speight to lay down his arms and release hostages held since May 19. "We will not entertain any more demands by George Speight and his men. We would like them to leave, to have the hostages released and to return their arms so we can bring back some normalcy to our lives," said military commander Frank Bainimarama. Bainimarama said the deal offered by the military to give amnesty to Speight and his followers stands but that they would not be allowed to participate in a planned interim government. Speight again rejected the military stating, "I will wait here as long as I have to." | | Fiji military finally taking control Speight does not have the support of all ethnic Fijians. Tribal chiefs in the western part of Fiji have threatened to break away if Speight is successful. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
