Fiji Labour says no to Mara

Date: 27 May 2000

The Fiji Labour Party leadership has formally rejected President Mara's decision to sack the People's Coalition Government led by PM, Mahendra Chaudry of the Fiji Labour Party.

Below is the media release - and a letter sent to Predisent Mara - signed on behalf of the Government and the Labour Party by Minister for Education, Pratap Chand, and the President of the Labour Party, Senator Jokapeci Koroi.

PRESS RELEASE

Saturday, 27th May 2000
3.30 p.m.

On behalf of the People's Coalition Government, we wish to advise that we
have this afternoon written to His Excellency the President in response to a
proposal he has submitted for our consideration.

We attach for your information a copy of our official response signed by
Senior Cabinet Minister, Mr Pratap Chand (Minister for Education). At this
time of crisis in our country, we again call upon the President to uphold
the full integrity of our Constitution and to use his authority to bring an
end to the hostage crisis and secure the safe release of our Prime Minister
and Government. Our prayers are with the hostages and the families at this
time.

Pratap Chand Senator Jokapeci Koroi
Minister for Education President, Fiji Labour Party

Saturday, 27th May, 2000
(2.30p.m.)

His Excellency,
President,
Government House

Your Excellency

The People's Coalition Government has considered your proposal to invoke
sections 106 and 99 of the Constitution to enable you to appoint an Acting
Prime Minister and a new Cabinet. We understand that the purpose of your
proposal is to pave the way for the dismissal of the Prime Minister, the
dissolution of Parliament, and the establishment of an alternative,
appointed Government pending fresh elections under an amended or alternative
Constitution.

We are deeply concerned about this proposal since the ultimate effect of it
is to legitimise the overthrow of a constitutional and democratically
elected Government by terrorists. We are sure you appreciate that we cannot
be complicit in producing such an outcome. In addition, we respectfully
point out that such a proposal, even with our compliance, would not result
in the safe release of our Prime Minister and his Government.

In the very short time that we have had to consider your proposal, we have
been unable to convey our response formally and in writing. However, we have
indicated, unequivocally, our position to Ratu Tevita Momoedonu who you
called for personal discussions early this morning.

Yours sincerely

Hon. Pratap Chand
Minister for Education
People's Coalition Government

For further information

Contact:	Andrew Casey
Union:	Labor Council of NSW
Phone:	9281 9511
Fax:	92821 4480
Email:	Andrewc@lhmu.org.au
WWW:	http://www.lhmu.org.au

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