Suva - Fiji's High Court yesterday ordered the pre-coup administration of the prime minister, Mr Mahendra Chaudhry, reinstated, but the indigenous Fijian interim government promptly challenged the ruling. Fiji's military, which installed the interim government, said it respected the High Court decision, but would await the outcome of an appeal to be lodged by the interim Attorney-General.
High Court Judge Anthony Gates said in his ruling that the post-coup government headed by Mr Laisenia Qarase was unconstitutional and called on deposed president Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara to recall parliament and reinstate Mr Chaudhry.
But Mr Qarase said he would continue to rule Fiji with the aim of securing the safety of citizens, rehabilitating the battered economy and working towards an eventual return to democracy.