Stop fooling nation, Chaudhry tells PM

[posted 18 Oct 2005, 12.30]

The Prime Minister’s face saving stance that India has no problems with the PRTU Bill does not fool the nation, says Leader of the Opposition Mahendra Chaudhry.

The nation is well aware of the fact that the Prime Minister has had to succumb to international pressure and has since given assurances to all and sundry that the current Bill will undergo major amendments to the objectionable amnesty section before it is presented to Parliament.

“In this respect, despite the Prime Minister’s claims otherwise, my international campaign against the Bill has paid dividends,” Mr. Chaudhry said.

“We are well aware that the United States, Australia and New Zealand have made it clear that the Bill as it currently stands in its amnesty provisions for the terrorists of 2000 will not be acceptable.

“Likewise, the Prime Minister has himself admitted that he gave India assurances that the amnesty provisions of the Bill will be amended in light of the objections raised.

“The world is now waiting to see him honour these assurances as is the Fiji Labour Party. Until then, we will continue with our international awareness campaign against the pro-terrorist and anti human rights provisions of the Bill,” Mr. Chaudhry said.