Strong chance of second Fiji coup

Press, 11 September 1987, Page 4

Strong chance of second Fiji coup

By

GLEN PERKINSON

Fiji is on the brink of longrunning armed conflict no matter what constitutional solution is found, believes the deposed Prime Minister, Dr Timoci Bavadra’s permanent secretary.

Dr William Sutherland, in Christchurch last evening after returning from Fiji, said political unrest would be the order of the day for many years and there was a “strong possibility of another coup” in spite of attempts to reach a solution.

Dr Sutherland spoke at a meeting organised by the Campaign Against Foreign Control of Aotearoa (C.A.F.C.A.). During his discussion — mainly a history to the coup and recent incidents in Fiji — he emphasised he was unable to speak freely about the situation for fear of “negative effects of what I might say being misconstrued.” He backed his assertion of continued political and armed unrest in the Fiji islands, by alluding to Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka’s statement that if a constitutional solution did not mirror the aims of the coup he would lead another.

Dr Sutherland said that because of constant attacks on Coalition supporters and the feeling of oppression there was an alarming trend of thought among Coalition supporters that its own armed attacks should be instigated.

He was uncertain what support an armed move from Coalition supporters had or what action it would provoke from the military. “Nevertheless, the most common sentiment in Fiji at present is the apprehension of future military intervention and the increasing repression.” Dr Sutherland said this would be emphasised by the looming economic disaster that would befall Fiji next year. He predicted severe economic conditions because there had been very little sugar cane planted this season and that would result in hardship.