Fiji Coup Leader Recognized in Compromise Bid
In a face-saving compromise today, the governor general of Fiji swore in coup leader Lt. Col. Sitiveni Rabuka in exchange for a pledge that he would end military rule “as soon as it is possible.”
The agreement was the first indication that the 5-day-old military regime was willing to recognize the authority of Gov. Gen. Ratu Sir Penai Ganilau, who holds supreme executive powers as the representative of Queen Elizabeth II in the South Pacific island nation.
Under the agreement, Ganilau will swear in the remaining 10 members of the new army-backed Council of Ministers on Tuesday. They include eight members of the former government of Prime Minister Ratu Kamisese Mara.
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