16 Apr 2010

Former Fiji president accepts Rabuka apology

10:41 pm on 16 April 2010

Former president Ratu Josefa Iloilo of Fiji has accepted an apology from 1987 coup leader Sitiveni Rabuka for overthrowing the government led by Dr Timoci Bavadra.

The Fiji Times reports Mr Rabuka has admitted that what he did was wrong.

Ratu Tevita Momoedonu told the paper that Ratu Josefa acknowledged that it takes a lot of courage and humility to make such an admission.

Mr Rabuka has been given immunity from prosecution over his coups, which is enshrined in the 1990 and 1997 constitutions.

Ratu Josefa abrogated the constitution a year ago, but last month the interim regime issued a decree to grant him immunity for doing so.