11 Dec 2006

Fiji's military says it is ready for any sort of uprising

10:21 am on 11 December 2006

Fiji's military says it is ready for any sort of uprising if the deposed prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, returns to the capital.

The military was reacting to Mr Qarase's comments reported in the Australian media saying that violence could flare up when he returns to office.

The Daily Post says the Land Force Commander, Col Pita Driti, has warned the army will be ready for any sort of confrontation with the former prime minister's supporters.

Col Driti says there is a possibility that the military could remove Mr Qarase from his home village and take him straight to Nukulau Island, which is where the May 2000 coup front man, George Speight, is locked up.

Col Driti says if that does not happen, the military will wait for Mr Qarase to return to Suva and deal with him.

Mr Qarase has since denied making the comments which were reported in great detail in the Australian media, saying he had refused an interview.