30 Sep 2005

Fiji has agreed to amend coup amnesty bill, says Australia

10:19 am on 30 September 2005

The Australian foreign minister says Fiji has agreed to amend controversial legislation which is aimed at making amnesty easier for coup convicts.

Alexander Downer says his Fijian counterpart Kaliopate Tavola has assured him the Reconciliation and Unity Bill will be amended.

Mr Downer says the Fiji government will make appropriate amendments on the recommendation of a select committee, and introduce what it feels appropriate.

The Australian minister didn't say which part of the legislation he would like changed.

Mr Downer will be in Suva today for talks with prime minister Laisenia Qarase, opposition leader Mahendra Chaudhry and military commander.