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Fiji rebels strike deal to end crisis

Our Correspondent in Suva

The army, the Great Council of Chiefs and coup leader George Speight have reached an agreement in Fiji, according to fijilive.com. The Muanikau Accord will be signed tomorrow at 11am local time.

However, talks continue to iron out points, the website said.

The accord will pave the way for the release of 30 members of the Mahendra Chauhdry government held hostage by Speight's group in Parliament, for 37 days.

The accord came after another day of talks chaired by former vice-president Ratu Josefa Iloilo.

Speight's group and the GCC had favoured three months of rule by a council of advisers appointed by the military, followed by an interim government appointed by the GCC and the new president. The military had favoured at least two years of rule by the council of advisers, during which the 1997 constitution would be reviewed, and elections held after that.

Amry spokesman Filipo Tarakinikini had said it would take at least two years to formulate a new constitution and hold elections.

The army plan was believed to be acceptable to Speight's group only if they or their nominees can be a part of the interim government.

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