Fiji's deposed PM says life under threat from military
Updated
Fiji's deposed Prime Minister has told a meeting in Brisbane of Fijians based in Australia that his life remains under threat from the military led government. Laisenia Qarase is visiting Australia to raise fund from supporters of his political party which was removed from power in the December 2006 coup.
presenter: Australia Network, Sean Dorney reports.
speakers: Laisenia Qarase, Fiji's deposed PM
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Dorney: Laisenia Qarase went to court in Fiji to get permission to make this trip to Australia. At a public meeting at a Brisbane Primary School hall he said the military led interim government was ruling through fear.
Qarase: I was warned by anonomous callers that I would be killed or thrown into jail. There is an ever present threat of the use of force against those opposed to what is happening.
Dorney: The event began with a prayer - by a Methodist pastor citing passages from the bible.
Pastor: Self appointed leaders invites the wrath of God - not only to them personally but to the nation at large.
Dorney: The deposed Prime Minister said he remained hopeful political talks brokered by the United Nations and the Commonwealth would eventuate but he said Commodore Frank Bainimara's behaviour was not encouraging for Mr Qarase's political party, the SDL.
Qarase: The regime speaks of an inclusive dialogue and then it threatens to exclude from the talks those like the SDL who have different views. Their message is, 'Agree with the regime, do what we say or else!'
Dorney:The event is part of a fund raising trip.
Qarase: We have mounted some very expensive legal cases in Fiji and we need that financial support.
Dorney: Some of those who attended apologised to Mr Qarase for the low turnout.
Fijian man: And when he told them that he was going to the airport to pick us up and to attend this meeting, the words that this person said were, 'Don't! Don't get involved. Don't get involved.' And that, to me, indicates that a lot of people fear that their faces or names may be mentioned back in Fiji.
Dorney: Mr Qarase wants other countries to adopt the travel bans Australia and New Zealand have on people associated with the interim government.
Qarase: The other Pacific Island members of the Fourm be asked to impose a similar travel ban on personnel within the regime in Fiji. The interim regime doesn't like it because it is very effective
Dorney: Mr Qarase will go to Sydney on the next leg of his fund raising tour.
