Qarase not coming, arrival deferred
Thursday August 30, 2007

Ousted PM Laisenia Qarase

Fiji's ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase's arrival in Suva has been deferred till his next court date.

SDL national director Peceli Kinivuwai told Fijilive this morning that he will inform Qarase soon.

He said Qarase will not be arriving in Suva on Friday as planned for his court action against the interim regime.

Qarase is challenging the legality of the Immunity Decree granting Presidential pardon to the military for its overthrow of the Qarase government on December 5, 2006.

"Because of what has happened we have decided to defer his trip till the next court date," he said.

"His travel plans has been blown out of proportion and now we have decided to defer the trip," said Kinivuwai.

Meanwhile Qarase from Mavana in Vanuabalavu, Lau said he is awaiting word from his office in Suva.

"I'm not sure of my travel as yet," he said.

Qarase said he is yet to speak to his lawyer, Tevita Fa on the letter he wrote to Police Commissioner Esala Teleni regarding the death threat.

Qarase alleges that someone from the military called him up and threatened to kill him if he arrived in Suva.

The military denies the allegation.

Army commander and interim Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama this morning said Qarase was simply trying to play on the emotions of the people.