SUVA, Fiji (5 July 2000) -- Three rebel supporters and two soldiers were wounded in gun battle between rebels and soldiers outside the parliamentary complex. The gun battle broke out just hours after Fijian banker Laisenia Qarase was sworn in as Fiji's new prime minister and announced that the country will not return to a multi-racial constitution. Fiji's military rulers announced that the area around parliament where rebels are holding 27 hostages will be evacuated and the area will be sealed off. Trouble has spread to Vanua Levu, Fiji's second largest island, where soldiers loyal to the rebels have taken over army barracks in Sukanaivalu. Military leaders said they have sent negotiators to Vanua Levu to resolve the crisis. | | Tourists are urged to leave Fiji As the situation in Fiji worsens, governments around the world are urging tourists to leave Fiji. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
