Chaudhry gives PM 72 hours to apologise

[posted 7 Dec 2005, 1400]

Opposition Leader Mahendra Chaudhry has given the Prime Minister 72 hours to apologise to allegations that he benefited by way of commission from the $86 million Government of India loan to revamp the sugar industry.

The allegation from Laisenia Qarase was made in parliament during his response to the debate on Budget 2006.

A furious Chaudhry got his lawyers to send a letter to the prime minister asking him to make a public apology, or face legal action.

In Parliament, he had called on Qarase to furnish proof of his allegations. Qarase told the media he had proof and will release them at the right opportunity.