I am not intimidated: Qarase
Thursday September 06, 2007

Ousted Fiji Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase has clarified that he is not in Suva to try and destabilise the interim regime and will not be intimidated by the military.

He said the warning by the military to have him taken back to his village in Vanuabalavu if he does not stop "spreading allegations" against the interim Government and the military is uncalled for.

"I'm not at all intimidated by their threats because I am here for a purpose and that is for my court case and for my family," said Qarase, who only returned to the capital at the weekend since his removal by the military last December 5.

"This matter is starting to boil up again because of some misconception about me being in Suva. Some people have other ideas against me but I am neutral and I have offered my service to the interim Government."

Fiji's interim Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama today invoked the public emergency regulation only hours after warning that he will send Qarase back to his home island.

He said that Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua spokesman Peceli Kinivuwai will accompany Qarase for also spreading the "lies".