Fiji, the key figures

By Geoff Hiscock
CNN.com Asia Business Editor

SUVA, Fiji (CNN) -- These are the main figures in the political crisis that has gripped Fiji since May 19, 2000, when George Speight and armed supporters entered Parliament and took then Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry hostage:

Mahendra Chaudhry

Fiji's first Indo-Fijian prime minister. Elected to office as Labor Party leader and head of a coalition government in May 1999. Taken hostage by Speight and armed supporters on May 19, 2000. Released on July 13. Now raising funds and running "government-in-exile" in Australia.

Laisenia Qarase

Merchant banker appointed Prime Minister and head of interim government by military chief Commodore Frank Bainimarama on July 4, 2000. Challenging the ruling on November 15 by Justice Anthony Gates that the interim government is illegal.

Ratu Tevita Momoedonu

Minister for Labour, Industrial Relations and Immigration in the Chaudhry government and one of the few Ministers not in Parliament when the Speight gang took hostages on May 19. Briefly appointed Prime Minister by President Ratua Kamisese Mara (for five minutes) on May 27 so that the Parliament session could legally be brought to an end.

George Speight

Failed businessman claiming to represent indigenous Fijian interests. Entered parliament on May 19 with a gang of armed supporters (including some members of the military) and took Chaudhry hostage, along with other Ministers, parliamentarians and staff. Freed hostages on July 13 after reached immunity agreement with military. Later arrested for treason, now imprisoned on the island of Nukulau awaiting trial.

Commodore Frank (Voreqe) Bainimarama

Army commander who was in Norway at the time of Speight's attempted coup. Returned to take control of the situation, assuming executive power on May 29. Negotiated Muanikau Accord with the rebels which saw the freeing of the hostages. Narrowly escaped death in a mutiny at Queen Elizabeth Barracks on November 2 in which three regular soldiers and five rebels were killed. Bainimarama appointed Qarase as head of an interim government on July 4.

Ratu Kamisese K.T. Mara

Fiji's first prime minister (from October 1970 to April 1987) and president (since 1993) at the time of the attempted coup last May. Regarded as the statesman with the greatest impact on Fijian political life. Effectively retired as president on May 29, 2000 after Bainimarama assumed executive power.

Ratu Josefa Iloilo

Former vice-president, appointed president by the Great Council of Chiefs on July 18, 2000.

Justice Anthony Gates

Lautoka High Court judge who hear a case brought by farmer Chandrika Prasad, challenging the legality of the Qarase administration. Justice Gates found the 1997 constitution remained in force, thus rendering the interim government illegal. He ordered a return to the pre-May 19 administration. The government appealed and sought a stay order.

Sir Maurice Casey, Sir Ian Barker, Sir Mari Kapi, Justice Gordon Ward, Justice Kenneth Handley

The five members of the international panel of judges who will hear the Qarase administration's appeal in the Court of Appeal in Suva, beginning Monday, February 19.

Sitiveni Rabuka

Former army strongman who led two coups in 1987 and was prime minister from June 1992 until May 1999. Has denied any involvement in the Speight coup, though offered to act as a negotiator.

Police Commissioner Isikia Savua

Disappeared during the May 1999 riots and joined the Speight group as a negotiator. Subsequently cleared by an inquiry and reinstated as police chief.

Ilisoni Ligairi

Known as the "Old Man", the former SAS trainer at one stage was thought to be behind the Speight coup. Now regarded simply as a member of the Speight group.

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