Fiji's deposed PM wants his power restored

SUVA - Fiji's deposed prime minister Mahendra Chaudhry called for the reinstatement of his multi-racial coalition government at a press conference in Suva today.

"To do the opposite would be to condone anarchy in this country," he said.

When asked if he was officially calling for the reinstatement of his administration, he replied: "Yes."

Chaudhry, Fiji's first ethnic Indian prime minister, called on Fijians to commit to principles of democracy and constitutional authority.

"Our commitment to these principles requires the reinstatement of the legitimate, democratically elected people's coalition government," he said.

"As the elected leader of this country, I call upon each and every one of our citizens to join in the struggle to defend and uphold the sanctity of our constitution."

Chaudhry, who said on his release two days ago, that his future role in politics was up to the Fijian people, today said he would be meeting with members of his deposed coalition next week to discuss a strategy for a return to power.

Speight, speaking yesterday at the parliamentary compound where Chaudhry and some 30 other hostages were held for nearly two months, said the deposed premier no longer had a place in Fijian politics.

- REUTERS

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