Mr Chaudhry is in Australia for a series of medical tests, having suffered a beating from supporters of coup leader George Speight. He said he and his supporters would continue to operate from the west of Fiji, but if the situation deteriorated and he felt their lives were in danger they would then consider establishing a government in exile. He did not say where such a government would operate. Mr Chaudhry said he believed his government retained the support of ordinary Fijians, but he feared for the safety of his supporters. We risk our own safety, our lives, because this time around there are a lot of guns out there.
Nobody is sure that all the guns that went missing have been returned.
Mr Chaudhry said he doubted that a return to multiracial democracy was possible without the help of the international community. Mr Chaudhry said the United Nations would expect Australia and New Zealand to provide leadership on the issue. Mr Howard said he had invited Mr Chaudhry to Australia to discuss the situation in Fiji. It remains a black mark against the international reputation of Fiji. Mr Chaudhry has our total empathy for his position.