PM Transcripts

Transcripts from the Prime Ministers of Australia

Howard, John

Period of Service: 11/03/1996 - 03/12/2007
Release Date:
13/07/2000
Release Type:
Media Release
Transcript ID:
22853
Release of Fijian Hostages

I welcome, as will all people, the release of the remaining hostages in Fiji.

They should never have been detained in the first place. This was a criminal act which denied a democratically elected government its constitutional right to govern in the interests of the people of Fiji.

The Australian government remains profoundly disturbed at the abrogation of the Fijian constitution and the racially-based approach apparently being taken to future constitutional arrangements.

the government will give early consideration to further responses to developments in Fiji.

13 July 2000

22853