Fiji spurns Commonwealth

Soldiers are guarding the parliament buildings

The Commonwealth's decision to suspend Fiji from its policy-making councils has been attacked by both the military leadership and coup leader George Speight.

Military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Felipo Tarakinikini said the Commonwealth was over-simplifying the crisis in Fiji, which has been under martial law since 29 May.

He said the military had prevented Fiji from descending into chaos and bloodshed following the coup on 19 May.

George Speight: No mediation

Colonel Tarakinikini spoke after coup leader George Speight, who has been holding the elected prime minister and others hostage in parliament, rejected the Commonwealth's moves to restore democracy.

The Commonwealth is sending a mission to Fiji after its partial suspension of the Pacific nation on Tuesday night. It is seeking a timetable for a return to democracy from the military rulers.

But Mr Speight ruled out any attempt by the organisation to mediate in the crisis.

"This is a local issue that only Fijians can resolve," he said.

I do not recognise their [Commonwealth ministers] right to mediate

George Speight

Commonwealth foreign ministers meeting in London called for the immediate and unconditional release of Prime Minister Majendra Chaudhry and all other hostages being held in Fiji's parliament building.

Fijian nationalist gunmen led by Mr Speight want ethnic Indians excluded from power and have threatened to shoot the captives if the military try to storm the building.

Rebels and soldiers exchanged gunfire outside the parliament complex on Wednesday. No injuries were reported.

Sensitive situation

Commonwealth ministers are trying to keep lines of communication open and say they will review the suspension in September.

Rebel demands

Transfer of all power to tribal chiefs

Chiefs to appoint a president of Speight's choosing

New president to name civilian government, possibly including Speight

Guaranteed amnesty for Speight and his supporters

Pro-rebel soldiers to be allowed back into army

BBC diplomatic correspondent Barnaby Mason says the calculation is that support for Mr Speight is diminishing as Fijians realise the economic cost, tourism declines, sporting links are cut and sugar exports are disrupted by trade union action in Australia.

The Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer says his government would be implementing a range of sanctions once the immediate hostage crisis was over.

He has ruled out a full trade embargo, on the grounds that it would destroy Fiji's economy and inflict suffering on ordinary people.

Other Commonwealth countries in Asia and the Pacific have expressed concern that allowing coups, such as those on Fiji and in the Solomon Islands, to succeed could encourage further attacks on democratic governments.