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MAY 24, 2000

The Great Council of Chiefs in Fiji expressed sympathy for armed gunmen who have mounted a takeover of the country's majority ethnic Indian cabinet but they still support President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.

Businessman George Speight launched a coup five days ago, saying that Indian control of the majority indigenous population has adversely affected the country economically and politically.

The Great Council of Chiefs has little governing power but great respect over the country that was once ruled by a traditional Native government. The 40 chiefs met today to try to bring calm to the situation.

Get the Story:
Chiefs support Fiji president but sympathize with gunmen (AP 5/24)
Tension grows as Fiji chiefs meet to seek coup resolution (AP 5/24)