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Journalism of Courage
MAY 22: An Australian was today briefly appointed the mediator in Fiji’s political crisis, taking over from former Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara said.
Rabuka has been trying to negotiate with armed men who took over Fiji’s parliament on Friday and continue to hold Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and much of the government captive.
Mara said nominal coup leader George Speight earlier has said that he could no longer trust Rabuka, so Australian Michael Kidd was given the job.
But Rabuka was reappointed after Speight refused to accept Kidd’s mediation
Kidd had worked with indigenous Fijians in Australia and had offered his services.
"I have asked Michael who has worked with indigenous people in Australia to come and discuss with you a way through this problem, " Mara wrote in a letter given to Kidd to pass on to Speight.
"I have asked Kidd to discuss with you the releasing of all hostages that are not essential to your aims."
