Mr Qarase aims to steer a delicate line between the outside powers with an interest in Fiji's fate and domestic Fijian support for Mr Speight.

ECONOMIST: Fiji

Since the failed coup in 2000, Fiji's courts have made critical decisions, and the indigenous Fijian-dominated government has acquiesced, usually reluctantly and grudgingly.

ECONOMIST: The judges' growing power

Fiji is now run by an elected coalition government dominated by the nationalist Fijian United Party of the Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase.

BBC: Fiji mutineers jailed