Fiji High Court Rules on Coup

Date: 15 November 2000

ACTU President Sharan Burrow has welcomed today's ruling by the Fijian High Court that the abrogation of the 1997 Fijian Constitution was not legal and that deposed President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara and the democratically elected Fijian Parliament should be reinstated immediately.

"Supporters of Fijian democracy, including Australian unions, have always maintained that the legal and legitimate solution to Fiji's constitutional crisis is the restoration of the 1997 Constitution and the reinstatement of the democratically elected parliament," said Ms Burrow.

"Today's decision by the Fijian High Court vindicate that position.

"It is now up to the Australian Government and other Governments in the region to demand that the Fijian interim administration secede power and
restore the legally and democratically legitimate Parliament, President and 1997 Constitution."

Today's decision by Justice Anthony Gates of the Fiji High Court was in response to an application funded by the Fijian Citizen's Constitutional
Forum and argued by Australian barrister Dr George Williams.

In his decision Justice Gates ordered that:
- the abrogation of the 1997 Constitution was wrong.
- Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara is still President of Fiji.
- the appointment of Laisenia Qarase's Interim Government by the military was wrong
- the Judges who advised the military acted illegally
- that deposed President Mara summon an immediate sitting of Parliament which should resume its normal functions.

Fiji was thrown into constitutional crisis when George Speight and a gang of supporters took the Fijian Parliament hostage on May 19, 2000.

Australian unions imposed cargo and communications bans against Fiji in support of the hostages who were released after 56 days.

Media enquiries: George Wright 0419 556 6

For further information

Contact:	George Wright
Union:	Labor Council of NSW
Contact Mobile:	0419 556 616
WWW:	http://www.actu.asn.au

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