Cabinet Sworn In on Heels of Arrest

Fiji’s president swore in a new Cabinet today, moving to restore calm in the South Pacific nation, which has been in turmoil since a May 19 coup. The government, led by Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, took office two days after coup leader George Speight was arrested and a day after the military said he might face treason charges. Qarase has pledged to strengthen the indigenous Fijians’ grip on power--the key demand of the coup plotters. Qarase also promised a government of “moderation, inclusion and compassion.”