Captors Release Deposed Fiji Prime Minister

Deposed Prime Minister Timoci Bavadra was released unharmed today after six days in captivity and promised cheering supporters that he would regain control of this South Pacific nation.

“We are still the legitimate government,” he said.

Bavadra was freed just before midnight, 12 hours after Governor General Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau declared that he had dissolved Parliament and was calling new elections with the approval of military leader Lt. Col. Sitiveni Rabuka (Story, Page 20).

‘Without My Consent’

But Bavadra said Ganilau had no authority to dissolve Parliament. “I don’t see how it can be done without my concurrence, without my consent,” he said.

Several hundred supporters gathered in the front garden of Bavadra’s private residence, and he was cheered and embraced as he threaded his way through the throng to his home.

Also released were 27 members of Bavadra’s government who had been held at gunpoint at various buildings since the coup Thursday.

Bavadra, like his colleagues, looked tired. He was unshaven but was jovial, saying, “The food was good, but it is hard to eat with a gun pointing at you.”

Ganilau, who represents head of state Queen Elizabeth II in this Commonwealth nation, said in a statement that Rabuka had agreed Ganilau should exercise executive power.

Announcement on Radio

Ganilau’s statement was read today over army-controlled Fiji Radio by an announcer who said the governor general would pardon those involved in seizing power from the month-old elected government.

“(Ganilau) has taken this position in accordance with his judgment that no useful purpose would be served by vindictiveness, which might hinder the complete restoration of legitimacy,” the announcer said.

The statement said Ganilau will appoint a council of advisers to assist him in administering Fiji until elections are held, but no date was set.