Media release
Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer
27 May 2000
FA56
Fiji Olympic Torch decision to be announced next week
I have spoken this morning with New South Wales Olympics Minister Michael Knight regarding the Olympic Torch travelling to Fiji on its way to Sydney.
In light of the uncertain security situation in Suva, and the ongoing political crisis, we have deferred making a decision on whether to cancel the Fiji leg until Wednesday 31 May 2000.
The torch is due to arrive in Fiji on Saturday 3 June.
I reiterate the Australian Government's opposition to any capitulation to the demands of terrorists in Fiji.
The Australian Government finds willingness to compromise to accommodate the demands of George Speight and his accomplices unacceptable.
The Australian Government will continue to closely monitor the situation in Fiji through our High Commission in Suva and High Commissioner Sue Boyd.
The exchange of gunfire in the Suva streets between soldiers and Speight's militia this morning are profoundly disturbing, and do not bode well for a peaceful and constitutional resolution to the hostage-taking drama.
I again call on those responsible to release their captives and hand themselves over to the authorities.
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