Fiji rebels, army sign deal to free hostages

Suva, July 9. (Reuters): Fiji rebels and military leaders signed an accord on Sunday aimed at ending the South Pacific nation's seven-week political crisis and paving the way for the release of Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and 26 other political hostages.

Fiji's military leader, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, said the accord "will culminate with the release of the hostages on Thursday, July 13".

Rebel leader George Speight and his gunman have held Chaudhry, Fiji's first ethnic Indian Prime Minister, hostage inside Suva's parliamentary complex since May 19, when they overthrew the government in the name of indigenous Fijians. (Reuters photo shows Speight, right, and military commander Bainimarama, centre, placing their hands on the agreement paper and praying.)

"I firmly believe in my heart that Fiji can only be a peaceful place and a happy place and a prosperous place if the interests of Fijians are made central and paramount to our decision-making and if they are completely fulfilled," Speight said after signing the accord.

Speight and his core group of supporters have been granted amnesty from any acts of treason carried out during their coup attempt.

Earlier, Speight's supporters sang hymns and shook hands with people by the side of the road, wishing them peace, as the rebel leader entered the building where he signed the accord.

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