18 Oct 2002

Fiji's SVT wants government to declare state of alert

8:20 am on 18 October 2002

The Fijian Political Party, the SVT, has called on the government to declare a state of alert in the country after the terrorist attack in Bali.

The Fiji Sun quotes the SVT spokesperson, Ema Druavesi, as saying it is very likely Fiji would be the next target because in the Pacific, it is the only country with a large number of foreign embassies.

As well, Mrs Drauvesi says Fiji has a lot of tourists from all over the world.

The SVT's call comes in the wake of a warning from Fiji's army commander, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, that the country is not isolated from terrorist attacks.

Fiji's prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, has already pledged mutual assistance with Australia in fighting terrorism and strengthening surveillance in the Pacific islands region.