God's hand seen in Fiji coup

Fiji Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase has claimed the coup two years ago was part of a plan by God to depose the Indian-led Government.

Qarase, who came to power in the aftermath of the May 2000 coup led by George Speight, told Parliament: "I believe God wanted to terminate that Government. The same thing will happen to us if we don't follow God's plan."

Opposition Labour Party spokesman John Ali said: "What god would have asked George Speight to hold a legally constituted Government hostage and negotiate a deal under duress?"

If God had wanted Qarase to lead the country, said Ali, he would have given him a clear majority in last year's elections.

Feature: the Fiji coup

Related links