Fed: Aust to suspend defence ties when Fiji coup official =2

AAP General News (Australia)
12-05-2006
Fed: Aust to suspend defence ties when Fiji coup official =2

Amid confusion over who's in control .. Fiji's parliament has been dissolved by the
president Ratu JOSEFA ILOILAS and the military appears to be in charge.

Prime Minister LAISENIA QARASE's refusing calls from the nation's president to resign
.. but concedes he's powerless to prevent a military takeover.

Mr DOWNER says apart from suspending defence ties .. Canberra will also prevent members
of the military or any new government from coming to Australia.

But he says Australia doesn't want to take steps which could hurt the people of Fiji
.. like cutting aid programs.

Mr DOWNER's described the president's role in the crisis as disgraceful .. and Commodore
BAINIMARAMA's behaviour as appalling.

He says Australia's not planning any military intervention .. but has vessels on standby
in case it's necessary to evacuate citizens.

AAP RTV so/jmt/bart

KEYWORD: FIJI DOWNER 2 CANBERRA (REOPENS)

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