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Fiji Rebels, Military See Hostage Release Soon
Fiji's military government and indigenous rebels on Wednesday said they were close to a deal that would free the 31 political hostages held for more than a month in the worst political crisis in the country's history.
"We see no reason why it cannot happen by this weekend," military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Filipo Tarakinikini said of the possibility the hostages would be released.
Earlier on Wednesday, rebel leader George Speight, who led the May 19 coup attempt against Fiji's multi-ethnic coalition government in the name of indigenous Fijians, also said an end was in sight.
"This week we hope it will be all over," Speight told reporters at the Suva parliamentary complex where he has been holding the hostages, including Fiji's first Indian ethnic prime minister, Mahendra Chaudhry.
Asked whether the hostages would be safe once released, Speight said: "The hostages are safe, they continue to be safe. I will continue to confirm that their safety will be protected."
Speight said he and Fiji's military and tribal leaders were trying to finalise the composition of an interim government that would prepare for fresh elections within two years and hoped to sign an accord this week.
The rebel leader said he spent Wednesday meeting with legal advisers before planning to resume direct talks with the military on Thursday.
"I am going to have a rest and drink some grog (kava) tonight," Speight said after returning to the parliament, where he was cheered by supporters. Kava is a mildly narcotic drink popular with indigenous Fijians.
Fiji Television said the military had confirmed an accord would be signed at 10 a.m. Fiji time on Thursday, "paving the way for the release of the hostages and return of arms, possibly by tomorrow afternoon."
The military has demanded the rebels return weapons stolen from one of its arsenals if an agreement is to be finalised.
Speight said a ceremony was being prepared for the release of the hostages, which will include a "party" and a "big clean-up" of the parliament compound.
Around 200 supporters who arrived shortly after the coup was launched have pitched tents and dug barbecue pits inside the compound. Clothes hang from nearly every rooftop. Slaughtered livestock and stockpiles of kava root can also be seen around the grounds.
Local media have reported that once Chaudhry and the other hostages are released they are expected to be taken to a military base to undergo medical and psychological treatment.
Speight launched his coup attempt in order to strip Indian-Fijians of political power.
But on Monday, he made a major concession and said he would accept Indians + who make up almost half of the 800,000 population + in an interim government.
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