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Fiji talks end in deadlock, fresh efforts tomorrow

Talks aimed at freeing 31 hostages held by coup plotters in Fiji's Parliament ended in a deadlock on Saturday, but an official said a new attempt to reach an agreement would start on Sunday.

Martial law spokesman Colonel Filipo Tarakinikini told reporters that negotiations with coup leader George Speight had stalled over the issue of the future presidency of the country.

He would not discuss the matter further, saying only that talks would resume tomorrow.

Private secretary to former vice-president Ratu Josef Iliolio, Suliano Turagabeu, said: "We are still working on the accord, we haven't reached a final decision. We hope a final decision will be agreed tomorrow."

Asked if there was a deadlock, he said: "You could call it that."

Local radio reported that Speight had presented new demands leading to a breakdown in the talks. Military sources said one of the sticking points preventing the signing of an agreement was a refusal by Speight to agree to his men laying down their arms.

Earlier, Speight's camp had warned it could be another month before the hostages were released, sources said.

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