August 25, 2007

By Michael Field

Fiji’s deposed prime minister Laisenia Qarase will finally return to the country’s capital Suva on Friday but he is anxious for no celebration around the return.
Qarase was overthrown in December by military commander Voreqe Bainimarama. He fled to his remote Lau Islands and has stayed their since.
Bainimarama, who has since appointed himself prime minister, has launched police investigation against Qarase, claiming he was guilty of treason for asking for Australian and New Zealand military help ahead of December’s coup.
Qarase has launched a court action against the military claiming their take-over was unconstitutional.
Qarase has told Fiji websites that he will arrive in Suva on Friday and said he wanted a quiet arrival.
"I will be arriving on Friday and I don't expect any sort of celebration as I would be there to attend my court case and also catch up with my children and grandchildren," he said.
"I know that they cannot wait to see me and I would be happy to meet them but this I cannot do because I have been advised to concentrate on my case."
Military spokesman Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga said Qarase would be free to move around but not conduct meetings.
 Copyright: Michael Field