7 Apr 2003

Warning in Fiji that Iraq war could be used to create religious division locally

4:36 pm on 7 April 2003

Fiji's military commander, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, has warned against elements bent on creating religious divisions in the country over the Iraq war.

Radio Fiji quotes Commodore Bainimarama as saying people can take advantage of the war to create hatred between Christians and Muslims.

He says the Iraq war is not a war between Muslims and Christians.

Commodore Bainimarama says people should not be swayed by religious and political agendas that put Fiji at risk.

Meanwhile, the Muslim League has condemned the invasion of Iraq by coalition forces and called on them to cease hostilities.

The League has asked the United Nations and members of the Security Council to find a peaceful resolution of the problem and guarantee the rights of Iraqis as a free people.

The Fiji Muslim League has also thanked the Qarase government for not joining the coalition forces.