Reporter visits Chaudhry and MPs

SUVA - A reporter has been allowed to see Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and other parliamentarians being held hostage in Fiji by self-declared 'Prime Minister' George Speight.

The reporter has described the captive parliamentarians as somewhat tense, but otherwise in good shape. He said he looked particularly at Mr Chaudhry and saw no signs of bruises. [An earlier report had indicated Chaudhry may have been beaten for refusing to resign at gunpoint.] Several of the people being held were reading newspapers and chatting - all seemingly in good condition.

There has been a good turnout at work today from the Public Service Commission, with an estimated 70 per cent of workers showing up at their jobs despite transportation problems. Police Commissioner Isikia Savua has called for Fijians to stay home as a rumour campaign spreads through the city.

The centre of Suva remains closed off and quiet. Under the current State of Emergency Decree, no parades or large gatherings are allowed, and none have been announced.

People are trying to get money from ATM machines, and merchants can be seen cleaning their shops and the streets around their shops. Police are manning barricades every few streets in the capital city.

The President, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, has promised to hold a news conference later this afternoon.

Meanwhile, Apisai Tora, leader of the Fijian nationalist Taukei Movement, says he refused an offer to join George Speight's interim government. He says while he sympathises with the cause, he does not approve of the methods that have been used.

Tora said the Taukei Movement had nothing to do with the attempt to topple the Chaudhry government and does not endorse the action. He said Taukei has its own plan to help Fiji, which he called a much more logical approach.

The Chair of the Boselevu Vakaturaga [Great Council of Chiefs], Sitiveni Rabuka, is currently preparing for the urgent Council meeting tomorrow. Rabuka hopes the chiefs will turn up for the meeting at short notice.

Rabuka says he is no longer a mediator in the hostage situation. He says the rebel leader Speight has announced he does not require Rabuka for his negotiations with Ratu Mara.

Rabuka has also revealed that a European is being used as a messenger by the President to deliver and collect letters from Speight.

- FIJI VILLAGE NEWS