Malatian Eagle Freedom Fighters take PM of Solomons Islands hostage, demand his ouster

June 4, 2000 8:31 PM

Malatian Eagle Freedom Fighters take PM of Solomons Islands hostage, demand his ouster
Fijilive.com and ABC News Radio are reporting that members of the Malatian Eagle Freedom Fighters, rebels fighting for the independence of Guadalcanal Island, have taken the Prime Minister hostage.

Fijilive.com reported that it received an e-mail annoucing that the hostage takens had broken into the Armory in the capital of Honiara, stolen weapons, and stormed the Parliament building.
posted by rschram (1 comment total)

A correction to the above item: The Malatia Eagle Force is a pro-government armed group; it is fighting against the rebels on Guadalcanal.

The Solomon Islands Broadcasting Co. posted a report on comments made by the leader of the Malatia group, Andrew Nori. Nori has told the Commonwealth representatives in the Solomons that a "coup" has not taken place, but that he in cooperation with paramilitary forces deposed the PM and are holding him in protective custody. Nori claims he is upholding the Constitution by this action, as the government has failed to resolve the tensions between Guadalcanal and Malatia.

The representatives of the Commonwealth were acting as mediators in peace talks between the two armed factions. The peace talks recently broke down and some fighting had resumed.
posted by rschram at 5:58 AM on June 5, 2000