Reactions to the Bombings: Press Headlines and Comments

Symbols (- o +), see Notices at bottom of page.

Photo of Police. Fiji Village

UPDATE 24 March: Calls continue for Government to condemn the attacks even after it has done so. Yesterday Interim Defence Minister Ratu Epeli Ganilau said "such cowardly acts will never be condoned and police will do all they can to make sure those  responsible are brought to justice." Today he said, “At this point in time, we do not know who was behind the attack or [if it was] politically motivated or not. These people are unknown to the police and for all we know, this could be a move to discredit the government.” Fiji Live. Calls continue also for the military to condemn the attacks. Fiji Live reports "Information Dep.Sec. MajorNeumi Leweni saying people should stop pointing fingers at the military, and if they have evidence, they should take that information to the police who are conducting the investigations." He said the military will assist police if required and have condemned the attacks. [The report actually had "condoned," not "condemned." I presume this to be a typographic error!] There have also been calls for Police Commissioner Teleni to resign to which General Voters Party (GVP) secretary Fred Caine responded: “I want to tell all the politicians that they need to stop criticising the police but work together with the police through the neighbourhood watch zone. I believe more in finding a solution to all this rather than joining the bandwagon of criticising in every check point.” He did not think the Police Commissioner should resign: "The Commissioner is only one man and no amount of criticism will do any good to this nation."Fiji Daily Post. 

Fiji Times 

(o) State in Conflict [?] Over Security Concerns."The interim government will meet tomorrow to discuss whether or not security should be provided for civilians who have been the target of mystery attackers, says interim Defence Minister Ratu Epeli Ganilau. He said he would meet Police Commissioner Esala Teleni for an update on the progress of investigations on the recent spate of attacks. However, Mr Teleni said police would not provide security unless it was specifically requested or if it was deemed absolutely necessary." [Where is the "conflict?"]

(o) Labour Condemns Attacks. "After labelling as unfair the Fiji Times editorial today which criticised the party for its 'deafening silence,' Mr Vayeshnoi condemned the attacks ..."

(-)Take a Stand, Beddoes Tells Interim Government. "Calls are mounting for interim Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, interim Defence Minister Ratu Epeli Ganilau* and Police Commissioner Esala Teleni to publicly condemn recent mystery attacks and articulate a desire to do everything possible to bring the perpetrators to justice."[* see below]

(-) (NFP) Party Shocked at Intimidation

(-) It's Deplorable, Says (Fiji Times) Fussell

(-)NGOs Condemn Terror Attacks (FNGOCHR)

Fiji Live

(o) Thugs Use Bombs on Houses: Police

Fiji Village

(o) Still No Lead to Homemade Bombs

* (+) Such Cowardly Attacks Will Never Be Condoned: Defence Minister (Ratu Epeli Ganilau) "Such cowardly acts will never be condoned and police will do all it can to bring those responsible to justice."

(o-)Come Face-to-Face: Colonel (Sakiusa Raivoce)

(-) Netani Rika Calls for Fair Treatment. ..."'there seems to be special treatment given to members of the interim government when they have their homes robbed.' However, Deputy Director for Information Major Neumi Leweni said the matter had been handled by police and has refused to comment further."

(o) Fireball Attacks on Prominent Figures

(-) Curb These Violent Attacks - (Ro Teimiumu) Kepa

Fiji Sun

(o) Security Boss to Attackers: You Can Run But You Can't Hide (Sakiusa Raivoce)

Fiji Daily Post

* (+) It's Not On!  "Ratu Epeli Ganilau who is currently in Vanua Levu yesterday said those caught should be dealt with by the law.'That is not on,' he said. 'People caught should be arrested and taken to task ... We (the Interim Government) do not condone such acts and any law abiding organization and citizen would not and never condone such acts,' the Cakaudrove chief said."

(o-) Be Civilised Says NFP. "The National Federation Party (NFP) has called on the people to take a more civilised approach in showing their grievances.NFP general secretary, Pramod Rae last night said they were not happy on the way things were happening in the country especially for those who opposed the interim government and spoke their mind."

(-) Kinivuwai Slams Police Inaction. "Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) Party National Director Peceli Kinivuwai has slammed the inaction of the Fiji Police Force in dealing with the spate of vandalism against prominent people. And Kinivuwai is calling on Police Commissioner Esala Teleni to do his job or resign and get someone more capable."

(-) Cowards Take Cover in the Dark. "SDL national director, Peceli Kinivuwai said ... 'The acts are of those lamulamu who take cover in the dark and fire their weapons.' He added that SDL did not condone such acts of terror by people who cannot stand up and say ‘I did it’. And he has called on the police to take a more serious approach in getting the culprits to justice."