Fijian consul seeks asylum in N.Z.

Press, 20 May 1987, Page 1

Fijian consul seeks asylum in N.Z.

PA Auckland The Fiji consul in Auckland, Major Michaele Yasa, sought political asylum in New Zealand only hours before hearing that the coup was over. Major Yasa said that he feared for the safety of himself and his family when he was summoned back to Fiji on Monday by Lieutenant-Colonel Rabuka after strongly criticising the coup. “I made my move this morning because I was told to get back,” Major Yasa said. However, the announcement later by the Governor-General, Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau, that he had executive control led Major Yasa to adopt a “wait and see” stance. He said the uncertainty over

the future of government in Fiji now made his position awkward. “I will just have to wait and see what happens.” Major Yasa, an ethnic Melanesian Fijian, strongly condemned the coup and accused its leaders of high treason. No reason was given for summoning him back, and he said he feared he would be placed under house arrest by the Fiji military. “They knew that I had made my stand,” he said. “It could have been dangerous — I am-not naive.” Major Yasa is married and has five children. In 1983, he served with Colonel Rabuka in the Fiji peace-keeping force in the Sinai, where the two officers were friends.