Security tight during 2007 budget address in Fiji today

Security at Fiji's parliamet complex is at its all time high as the Government announces the 2007 National Budget this morning.

According to secretary to Parliament Mary Chapman all visitors to the complex including the media, diplomats and Members of Parliament are prohibited to use mobile phones. Visitors cannot leave the complex until the budget is announced.

There are also suggestions that this extraordinary security measures are linked with the current impasse between the Military and Government.

In fact the military plans to conduct "training marches" around some Suva suburbs with 3000 soldiers to participate.

The Fiji Police will not overreact to the march that is going to be put up by close to 3000 military officers on the streets of Suva saying business is as usual, despite the budget address by Finance Minister Ratu Jone Kubuabola.

Police Commissioner Andrew Hughes said the police force will maintain its line but stressing the circumstances are not right for the military to be out on the streets.

It is understood that the Fiji Military's three-week unofficial deadline for the Qarase Government to resign expires today, but there is nothing to worry about, say Army sources. And this is despite the fact that soldiers will be highly visible and out and about in cities and towns marching as part of the Military's annual training exercise.

Source: Fiji Live