The Fiji Prime Minister's Office has distanced itself from rumors circulating that Solomon Islands' Attorney General, Julian Moti, sought sanctuary in Fiji.
Reports from Fiji Times Online state that the Fiji Prime Minister's office has described as baseless 'rumours that Solomon Islands Attorney General, Julian Moti had ''unsuccessfully sought a promise of sanctuary in Fiji, under interim Prime Minister, Commander Voreqe Bainimarama'''.With the Solomon Islands preparing for a political showdown tomorrow when its parliament will meet after weeks of tension between the Grand Coalition for Change government, led by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, and the Opposition and defected ministers, rumors have been circulating that the controversial Attorney General could flee. Furthermore, the rumors were that he would flee to Fiji, being Fiji-born.
However, Permanent Secretary in the Fiji Prime Minister's office, Pramesh Chand said, ''There has never been any communication at all on Mr. Moti or for that matter, his status.'' Mr. Chand also further added to Fiji Times Online that 'Fiji has a good relationship with the Solomon Islands government by virtue of historical, cultural, trade and economic ties'.
Should the Opposition's parliamentary vote of no confidence against the current government be successful, Mr. Moti could be extradited to Australia where he is wanted on criminal charges.