15 Jul 2005

Fiji attorney general unsure about whether amnesty provision will remain in Bill

3:30 pm on 15 July 2005

Fiji's Attorney General says it's unclear whether the contentious amnesty provision in the government's Reconcilation and Unity Bill will remain.

Qoriniasi Bale's comments appear to contradict those of the prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, who has reportedly said the clause is a key part of the bill and must stay.

There's mounting opposition to the bill because it contains provisions to grant amnesty to coup perpetrators and convicts if they can prove their actions were politically motivated

Mr Bale, who drafted the bill, says it's too early to say what's planned.

"What changes those are and what parts of the bill as is will be retained and what will be amended I can say to you I don't know at this stage."

Mr Bale says the bill will be subject to some changes, where necessary, as a result of the government's public consultations on the proposed legislation.