The Fiji military is to continue with its board of inquiry into the attempted ousting of its commander last month despite the refusal of two key witnesses to attend.
Radio Fiji quotes the director of the military's legal service, Major Kitione Tuinausara, as saying the board will carry on its fact finding mission as there are other witnesses who will testify.
The chief executive of the home affairs ministry, Lesi Korovavala, failed to appear before the board, saying he was busy.
The sacked former Land Force Commander, Lt Col Jone Baledrokadroka, refused to attend.
His lawyer wrote to the military saying his client could not be compelled to testify against himself.
But Major Tuinausara says the board will not force anyone to appear during the inquiry.
He says if they choose to appear, the board understands their rights under the constitution must be protected.
Major Tuinausara says the board is a legal process to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to lay charges and convene a court martial.
