Speight supporter named as Fiji's Vice President

1:30 PM

Fiji coup leader George Speight appears to have consolidated his position in Fiji, following the appointment today of Ratu Jope Seniloli as Vice-President.

Seniloli was originally appointed President of Fiji in a ceremony soon after the May 19 coup, when George Speight appointed his own government.

George Speight now has supporters in two key roles of the new Government, as President Josefa Iloilo is also a close ally of the coup leader.

The naming of Vice-President came as the Great Council of Chiefs was finalising the handover of executive power from the military regime in a meeting at army headquarters.

Meanwhile, the Fiji Parliament in Suva, scene of the hostage drama, has been reopened today after the end of the siege.

Speight’s rebels were no longer carrying weapons at the compound and have said that all weapons have been gathered up and will be handed to the military later today.

The Fiji military said that any amnesty agreement granted to Speight and his supporters could only be enforced after the handing in of all weapons stolen from the military before the coup.

The military said they have an inventory of the weapons missing and would be checking off all the weapons as they were returned.

In another postive sign, two of the road blocks around Fiji have been taken down this morning.

However, one remains in place and it has been reported that, under a directive from Speight's rebels, the road block will stay up as long as the Great Council of Chiefs meets.

- HERALD ONLINE STAFF and AGENCIES

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