There are indications that some members of the former People's Coalition government, are willing to settle their case filed against the Fiji Military Forces, Commissioner of Police, Attorney General, coup leader George Speight and Timoci Silatolu.

Lawyer representing former Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry and 7 other former FLP Minister's, Vipul Mishra told Judge Justice Gerard Winter, that after 4 years of talks, they have now engaged in direct negotiations with the defendants to see if a settlement can be reached.

Mishra highlighted that he met with Interim Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum to discuss the matter, and things look positive as some of his clients may agree to a settlement.

He confirmed that the matters being discussed is that of the defendants agreeing to be liable for the events of May 2000 and monetary compensation to the members of the Labour led government for their illegal removal from Office.

Justice Winter then instructed that Speight and Silatolu be included in the negotiations as they are party to the case, however Mishra said that it may not be much point in doing so as his clients may not be eager to withdraw their case against the two.

The Judge has given all parties in the case till August 31st to try and reach an agreement or a trial date will be set to proceed with the hearing of the case.


Meanwhile, Mishra confirmed to Village outside the court room that interim Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry is not amongst those who is willing to settle the case at this point as discussions are still in its initial stages.