22 Feb 2003

American journalist says he was misquoted by Samoa newspaper

10:16 am on 22 February 2003

An American journalist, Floyd Takeuchi, says his comments about Fiji and Melanesians were misinterpreted when they were used in an editorial of the Samoa Observer newspaper.

The editorial by Savea Sano Malifa described Fiji as rolling in violence and not being a country for the faint-hearted.

But Mr Takeuchi has distanced himself from the editorial and says some of the references didin't match what he said.

The editorial prompted the Fiji government to issue a statement saying it was an uncalled for and cheap shot at promoting Samoa as a better tourism destination than Fiji.

The Fiji Visitors Bureau said Savea's intentions need to be investigated as it appears clear that he wants to portray a negative picture of Fiji.