10 Jan 2007

Fiji Citizen's Constitutional Forum warns new administration of legal action

11:02 am on 10 January 2007

The Citizens Constitutional Forum has warned the military appointed interim administration to expect a barrage of lawsuits over the issue of its legality and alleged abuse of human rights.

The CCF's executive director, the Rev Akuila Yabaki, says the military and those who have joined its administration must be prepared to face the courts.

He says the interim government as well as Mahendra Chaudhry must accept legal challenges and must implement court rulings on the issues brought before them.

The Daily Post quotes the Rev Yabaki as saying Mr Chaudhry must also clarify his political future.

He says Mr Chaudhry has made some very contradictory statements about joining the interim line-up and he must make it clear whether he will participate in the next elections.

The military has insisted that those who join its administration cannot stand in the next elections but Mr Chaudhry said last night that he would make that decision when the elections come around.

Meanwhile, the Rev Yabaki says the Citizens constitutional Forum hopes to work with Mr Chaudhry to revive the economy and the sugar industry.

He has also called on the military commander and interim prime minister, Commodore Bainimarama, to hold fresh elections within 15 months.