2006 coup d.27.C3.A9tat Mick Beddoes

long considered ally of republic of fiji military forces in long-running dispute qarase government, beddoes began criticising military towards end of 2006, tensions escalated unprecedented levels. on 20 october, fiji television quoted him calling end military s attempts intimidate government. on other hand, called on government on 28 november placate military dropping investigations insubordination on part of commander, commodore frank bainimarama. doing putting red rag in front of bull , bull has 4,000 guns, told australia s abc radio. on 1 december, became apparent coup imminent, branded military bunch of bullies, , issued strong warning persons might considering accepting office in interim government, saying taken task when storm had passed. on 4 december, beddoes called on fijians rally in support of rule of law.

beddoes condemned coup of 5 december, , spoke out against saw violations of constitutional , human rights.

beddoes welcomed decision of military restore ratu josefa iloilo presidency on 4 january 2007, condemned appointment of bainimarama interim prime minister on 5 january , criticised president s endorsement of coup, fiji times reported. expressed disappointment when deputy, bernadette rounds-ganilau, accepted office in bainimarama s interim government, , asked resign upp. particularly disappointed, said, ganilau s decision came less twenty-four hours after had been visited soldiers conveying message land force commander pita driti threatening him stop speaking against military. on 10 january, accused fiji labour party, of leading figures, included in interim government, of having been privy coup plot.[1]