NEWSFLASH: All Over By Monday Says Speight

Fiji Coup Leader George Speight has announced the hostages he is holding could be released as early as Monday.

Speaking after negotiations with the Fijian military overnight and this morning Mr. Speight said the hostage crisis could be resolved if the group representing native Fijians, The Council Of Chiefs, can decide on an interim government for the country.

Mr. Speight has said he would accept a government appointed by the Council after refusing the military's candidates for the Prime Minister and rejecting their proposal to appoint an interim military regime. The military has also reportedly refused to accept Mr. Speight or his supporters holding important positions in the new government.

Whatever the decision, it seems unlikely any agreement between Mr. Speight and the Council of Chiefs will stabilize the situation in Fiji.

Native Indian Fijians are reported to be queing up at the passport office to leave the country.

Any decision could also cause a split between the country’s ethnic Fijians - www.fijilive.com website reporter Jone Dakuvula has suggested Western Fiji may split away if Mr. Speight establishes a taukei government.

Following is a full transcript of the Dakuvula article:

West's own govt?

By Jone Dakuvula

Ba high chief, Ratu Sairusi Naganigavoka has warned that the West may set up its own government if coup leader George Speight establishes a taukei government.

The Tui Ba, from Sorokoba, says people in the province are already talking of setting up an administration to run the West.

And Ba province has already held talks with chiefs in Ra and Nadroga.

Ratu Sairusi says the coup has thrown the country back to the dark ages and such action scared off investors and assistance from other countries.

The lifeline of the country, sugar and tourism, is based in the West, says Ratu Sairusi.

The Ba province will convene a meeting of chiefs once the outcome of the talks between Speight and the military government today is known.

The Tui Ba is a staunch political supporter and a friend of deposed prime minister Mahendra Chaudhry who also hails from Ba.

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