Fiji, July 3 -- Rewa Chief Ro Naulu Mataitini has described the Republic of Fiji Military Forces' (RFMF) call to remove constitutional immunity protections as "Fiji's most courageous act of statesmanship," saying it places the responsibility on the government to pursue accountability.

The retired United Nations security executive said the RFMF's submission to the Constitution Review Commission marked a significant shift.

"For decades, Fiji has lived in a house 'built to protect the architects of rebellion rather than the inhabitants of this nation,' as RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai put it.

The very institution that once wielded the spear of political intervention has voluntarily reached for the olive branch of justice...