Rebels given time to surrender
WITH George Speight sent to Nukulau Island, there were reports of a group of rebels still occupying the Sukanaivalu Barracks in Labasa, Vanua Levu.
On July 30, 2000 this newspaper reported that a group of rebels occupying an army camp had been given some time to surrender their military arms and leave the military property.
The ultimatum was given on July 29, 2000 by the army after weeks of negotiations with the rebels at the Sukanaivalu Barracks had failed.
The army spokesman Major Howard Politini said the rebels should heed the ultimatum because the army was committed to returning the barracks to its proper status.
He said the army would try to minimise damages, but they were going to take the ultimatum out in very strong terms.
The safety and security of the people of Labasa and surrounding areas were of paramount importance, he had said.
"The rebels are to return the barracks to its legitimate authority, the officer commanding the barracks," he said. Rebel spokesman Ratu Josefa Dimuri response was that they were still discussing the ultimatum.
The military said all those found guilty of breaking the law in Labasa after July 13, 2000 would be prosecuted.
The army had compiled a list of soldiers involved in the illegal activities. They were to be arrested once identified.
It was believed a group of army and police officers were involved in the operation too.
Those being investigated included people who took over the Seaqaqa Police Station, erected roadblocks in Nabalebale, Savusavu, Seaqaqa and Vaturekuka.
Major Politini said no one would be excused because the law was above all.
He said rebels in the North were not included in the amnesty and had broken the law.
On Tuesday August 1, 2000 this newspaper reported that some rebel soldiers had left the Sukanaivalu Barracks.
Major Politini said soldiers loyal to the army were back at the camp.
"In this sense they have returned the camp but have yet to give up the arms and ammunition that belonged to us," he said.
All civilians had left the barracks after the military warned them to leave or face drastic action.
The rebel soldiers left the camp after hearing of the ultimatum issued by the military officers at headquarters.
They had continued to hold arms that were used in several hostagetakings in the north.
For the rebels that were detained in Nukulau Island including Mr Speight, they were not likely to be released.
This was confirmed by the military spokesman, Lieutenant Alipate Mataitini who added that the nine rebels were well looked after on the island.
"The release of the rebels will depend on when the police are through with their investigations. It is not likely to be this week," he said. He added that after the investigation were complete, they would know what charges the rebels would be tried on. A number of restrictions had been placed on the rebels who were under heavy guard. He said the rebels had the sea breeze to enjoy, could go for a swim if they wanted and were being housed in tents built by the military. According to a spouse of one of the rebels, the men were well. "On Sunday, they were allowed to call us from the naval ship when our lawyers went to visit them and they sounded alright," she said. Relatives were to visit the men at the end of the week.
She added that it was understood they had the right to contact and have visits from their relatives.
On Tuesday August 1 the family members received letters from Nukulau through the director of Fiji Red Cross, John Scott.
The rebels were individually interviewed by the International Committee of the Red Cross representative, Rachel Nicolas.
A delegation led by Lieutenant Mataitini left the naval base on a patrol boat.
It included Rachel Nicolas, two army officers and a team from the Ministry of Information.
According to Lt.Mataitini the men on Nukulau Island were well.
"They were well fed and have proper dressing gear for both day and night, and they also have warm beddings for the night," said Lt. Mataitini.
Movement had been restricted and there was a strong military presence on the island.
The military did not say how many soldiers had been deployed to Nukulau.
The prisoners had received letters and a change of clothes.
Spouses of the men say they were told by the military to pack clothes.
"We packed their clothes and took it to the barracks and there was a call from someone on the island who left us a number to call them," said a spokesman for the families.
MORE ON THIS NEXT WEEK.