SUVA, Fiji (25 June 2000) -- Rebels released four female hostages last night including Fiji's former Minister for Tourism, Adi Koila Mara Nailatikau. Twenty-seven hostages including Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry are still being held at gunpoint in the parliamentary complex. The hostages have all gone home after a medical assessment by the Red Cross. According to military officials, the signing of the accord that calls for the release of the remaining hostages could take place later today. Freedom for the hostages could still be delayed by a traditional Fijian ceremony held by the rebels to seek forgiveness from the hostages. The accord stipulates that the military will continue to govern Fiji for three months and then a interim government appointed by tribal chiefs will take over for 21 months before new elections. | | Racist rebel leader George Speight The primary responsibility of the interim civilian government will be to draft a new constitution, which will strip Indo-Fijians of their rights and guarantee the outcome of the next election. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
