Fiji's military says stability not at risk

Transcript

Fiji's Land Force Commander Colonel Sitiveni Qiliho says the security forces are on top of alleged attempts to form breakaway states in the country.

Dozens of people are before the courts accused of sedition as investigations continue by police.

Colonel Qiliho told Sally Round the military is continuing to assist.

SITIVENI QILIHO: We're not worried, the military is intact, it is postured to assist the police in that regard, and as for our role in the constitution, it clearly stipulates what we are there for. It is for the security and well being of Fiji and all Fijians and that is quite encompassing and we are confident in what the police are doing, the investigations and we've assisted them with that investigation as well with the information that we've collated so in that regard we're not worried, we're confident that the police are on to it and we're on top of it. So the security and well-being of Fiji is guaranteed.

SALLY ROUND: Why does the military come in, is it because the police don't have enough capacity?

SQ:No no, that is a misconception. The police have the capacity, if we have a defined role in the constitution and we sit back in the barracks and don't act on it then what's the use of our being there? We are exercising our role as defined in the constitution and that is the security and well being of Fiji. So if you saying, what would be better, let those rebels continue and do military type training and take over things? Or is it more appropriate for the military to go out and ensure that stability?

SR: And what are your present actions at the moment surrounding this case?

SQ: Well the police are producing them in courts, and that's the way we'd like to leave it. Obviously we're doing things that are not visible and we'd prefer to keep it that way. It's no use telling you then people know what we're doing. If we're doing covert type things it's for the peace and stability of Fiji, it's nothing that is going to bring instability to Fiji.