Military cutting Speight out of talks

SUVA - The political hostages in Fiji are facing a long wait for release after the military rulers announced they were cutting the rebels out of talks to appoint a civilian government to run the country for two years.

Coup leader George Speight yesterday failed to meet a deadline imposed by the military that the rebels sign the proposed Muanikau Accord or be left on the sidelines.

The missed deadline leaves the 27 hostages still captive at Parliament House, where they have been held by Speight's men since May 19.

Military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Filipo Tarakinikini was unable to say how the hostages, who include ousted Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, would be freed.

He said the military's door was still open if Speight wanted to claim an amnesty for the safe release of the hostages.

"The issue needs to be taken in its proper context. There are 27 people hostage, held under gunpoint for over five weeks now.

"But the reality of the situation is ... that thousands of people are losing their jobs, they are without food.

"The whole country has been held to ransom. We are taking the most pragmatic steps at a time like this."

Tarakinikini said the hostages' safety had not been jeopardised by the military's move.

The collapse of the accord is a blow for Speight's group.

The deal gave Speight the ability to nominate people for a civilian government, as well as representation on a committee to draw up a new constitution.

Speight's team had the ability to lobby a new president for inclusion in a new cabinet, to be approved by the president with the Great Council of Chiefs.

Speight and his key supporters would also have been granted immunity from prosecution for the coup.

- NZPA

George Speight talks to IRN's Barry Soper

(10 min).