13 Apr 2010

Samoa Prime Minister says Fiji regime immunity decree a ridiculous move

9:46 am on 13 April 2010

The Prime Minister of Samoa says a decree which gives immunity to Fiji's coup leaders amounts to stupidity.

The decree grants immunity from prosecution to those involved in the 2000 and 2006 coups, including Commodore Frank Bainimarama, the military and police.

The Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele says the decree may be prompted by the prospect of a return to democracy.

But he says the decree is stupid as it could be overturned by a democratically elected government in the future.

"That's why it is ridiculous to have that for the moment because what will count in the future is the parliament that would emerge and for them to decide what to do."

However, Tuilaepa Sailele says he does not believe the regime will allow elections to be held by its 2014 deadline.