Fiji's council of chiefs sacked

Frank Bainimarama

Fiji coup leader Frank Bainimarama yesterday sacked the nation's Great Council of Chiefs, suspended all meetings and scrapped its state funding, dramatically increasing political tensions.

Commodore Bainimarama's move came after a continuing standoff with the traditional chiefs, who refused to endorse the commander's Government and his nominee for vice-president, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, after last year's coup.

Commodore Bainimarama accused the chiefs of meddling in politics and said they had made decisions that were not in the best interests of the people of Fiji.

"They now constitute a security threat in our efforts to lead the country forward," he said, adding that the Government no longer recognised the council's membership.

- REUTERS