THE tactical weapons seized from the Police before the 2006 coup will remain with the military, says Army Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai.
“At the moment, I feel it’s best we keep it with the RFMF and we have the facilities to keep it safe, and that is something the public needs to be assured of,” he said, adding that nothing had yet been discussed with the Police. In response to questions by The Fiji Times on Monday, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said the issue had been put to rest, with relations between the Police and RFMF stabilising amid joint efforts to combat the illicit drug trade. “The RFMF Commander has already assured the Police Force of their support and commitment in tackling the illicit drug trade, and if assessments determine possible threats to the safety of police officers, we will surely seek additional support,” Mr Tudravu said.
“We are not going to ask for the return of what was seized.
“We cannot afford to keep dwelling on the past and must move on together, united in our commitment to tackling the illicit trade.
“A whole-of-nation approach is needed.” The weapons were originally seized under orders from then RFMF commander Voreqe Bainimarama ahead of the overthrow of late Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase’s government in December 2006. At the time, police commissioner Moses Driver confirmed soldiers had taken them from the Police Tactical Response Division base in Nasinu.
