Fiji Army man fired amid coup talk

Frank Bainimarama

Fiji's military chief has dismissed a senior officer who challenged his attacks on the country's Government.

Lieutenant Colonel Jone Baledrokadroka, the Acting Land Force Commander, had reportedly led a group of senior officers in challenging Commodore Frank Bainimarama's persistent criticism of Fiji's political leaders.

"Yesterday [Thursday] ... I received a telephone call from the commander in which several words were spoken and then I said I would not vacate my post as the Land Force Commander," Colonel Baledrokadroka told Fiji Television.

"What then prevailed was a series of actions which has led to my resignation."

The colonel was relieved of his command yesterday.

The confrontation, and talk of another coup, have prompted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase to plan a meeting with Commodore Bainimarama on Monday.

Mr Qarase and the commodore have been at loggerheads over the past year, and threats by the military chief to take over the Government have prompted speculation that Fiji could be facing its fourth coup.

Commodore Bainimarama's comments reportedly resulted in the confrontation on Thursday between him and senior officers, led by Colonel Baledrokadroka.

Mr Qarase said in a statement yesterday that the Acting President, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi, would convene the meeting between him and the commodore on Monday.

"As we await that meeting, I ask the nation to remain calm," the PM said. "The discussions will concentrate on what is best for the country and the need for an environment free of fear and uncertainty."

Earlier, Commodore Bainimarama said Fiji would remain stable.

But he does not regret his recent public statements that prompted the coup speculation.

In a short interview with the Weekend Herald yesterday, he rubbished rumours that he might have been asked to stand down.

Asked if he regretted some of his statements, Commodore Bainimarama said: "Are you kidding me?"

He refused to say whether he had the support of his soldiers.

"What commodore would say no to that question. Don't be naive."

Police Commissioner Andrew Hughes told the Weekend Herald his staff had become aware of increased security at military establishments across Fiji on Thursday and "in accordance with standard procedures" response units were placed on standby while the situation was monitored and assessed.

The armed forces had yesterday resumed a normal presence and "based on reliable advice from the military, police response units have now resumed normal duties".

"There is no threat to national security, and the law and order situation in Fiji remains calm," Mr Hughes said.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said dialogue appeared to be continuing, which should be encouraged.

"We've no reason to change our present tourist advisory position, and we'll carry on monitoring the situation as the hours go by."

And Dr Steven Ratuva, a senior fellow in governance at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, said there were no significant signs of a coup, despite Commodore Bainimarama's threats.

"It doesn't mean he [the military chief] meant to do it. He's playing psychological games."

Dr Ratuva said Commodore Bainimarama had aimed to speed up the process by which previous coup perpetrators were prosecuted.

Although Army officers supported him in that, they would not be impressed by his talk of taking action. "They are not amused by his outbursts," Dr Ratuva said.

His colleague Dr Jon Fraenkel agreed a coup appeared unlikely.

"If you are planning a coup, you don't usually announce it in advance."

Dr Fraenkel said the spat went back to the Government's delay in appointing a Judge-Advocate to oversee the court-martial of coup perpetrators. That had been resolved, but Commodore Bainimarama accused the Government of lying over the delays.

Dr Fraenkel said the commodore could have quite a lot of support among the non-indigenous urban elite.