FIJI: COUP: MILITARY PUT PRESSURE ON REBELS

(5 Jul 2000) English/Nat
XFA
Fiji's military has stepped up the pressure on rebels holding 27 hostages in Parliament, by declaring an exclusive military zone around the compound.
It has also offered an amnesty to anyone who leaves within two days.
The two-square-kilometre (one-square-mile) exclusion zone announced by the provisional military government is to be off-limits to all but military personnel starting at midnight on Wednesday (1200 GMT).
Supporters of rebel leader George Speight, who had been entering the area freely will be banned in an effort to isolate the hostage-takers.
Those who are still in the area 48 hours later will be subject to arrest.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"The head of the executive government, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, has decreed the establishment of an exclusive military zone as part of the measures to try and contain the security of the area around the Parliamentary complex. The decree will take effect from midnight tonight, and as the decree takes effect, everyone inside the Parliamentary complex will have 48 hours to move out. This can be seen as an amnesty period whereby they are allowed to make up their minds and move out of the complex."
SUPER CAPTION: Lieutenant Colonel Filipo Tarakinikini, Military Spokesman
While Tarakinikini said the military still hoped for a peaceful conclusion to the crisis, he added that it was not willing to let Speight "dictate" its actions and that more drastic action has not been ruled out.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"One can expect this to not have a reaction but we cannot be dictated to by Mr Speight for this long. There might have to be a price to be paid but we are willing to do that to face all that for the sake of the nation. We cannot allow the nation to wait around for Mr Speight to make up his mind."
SUPER CAPTION: Lieutenant, Colonel Filipo Tarakinikini, Military Spokesman
However, former insurance executive George Speight, who led the coup that ousted an ethnic Indian-led government, has said he would see such military action as provocation that could spark violence toward the hostages.
Commodore Frank Bainimarama, who assumed power 10 days after the coup, has only recently appointed a new government.
He has said he will retain power until the captives are freed.
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