Probe into motives behind Fiji coup

SUVA - Fiji President Ratu Josefa Iloilo has launched an inquiry into security and intelligence operations in the Pacific island group and the motives behind a coup that toppled the elected Government.

Military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Filipo Tarakinikini yesterday confirmed local reports of the inquiry and said that it would address security issues.

"The board will establish the real motives behind the coup and ensure a strategy for better security and intelligence is implemented to avoid any such occurrence in future," Tarakinikini said.

Meanwhile, Fiji's new Prime Minister, Laiesenia Qarase, will head a four-member ministerial committee to prepare terms of reference for a commission to work on a new constitution.

- REUTERS