Interim prime minister appointed in Fiji

7:30 AM - HERALD ONLINE STAFF

Fiji's new military government has appointed a former army commander, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, as interim prime minister.

He is the son-in-law of side-lined President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara. His wife, Adi Koila Mara Nailatikau, is among some 30 hostages held by the rebel leader George Speight and his gunmen inside the parliamentary complex in Suva.

There has been no reaction from Speight to the appointment of Ratu Nailatikau.

Fiji has been under military rule since Monday. The commander of the Fiji military forces, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, says the military has agreed to all of George Speights demands, including: removal of the elected government, abrogation of the 1997 constitution, and an amnesty for Speight and his supporters.

Despite the concessions, Speight has not released the hostages he has held since storming parliament on May 19th.

He has, instead, demanded the resignation of Commodore Bainimarama.

IRN reports there are no more than a few hundred coup supporters remaining in the Parliamentary compound.

More Fiji coup coverage

Under seige: map of the Parliament complex