HINDU FIJIAN-INDIANS WOMEN PEFORM RELIGIOUS CEREMONY IN SUVA, 2000-06-16 (photo)

Hindu Fijian-Indian women circle a Banyan tree with string as they peform a religous ceremony at a temple in Fiji's capital city Suva June 16. The ceremony is a once a year dedication for the prosperity and longevity of their husbands. The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group met with representatives of political parties, religious and indigenous groups, the military and the Great Council of Chiefs today in an effort to restore democracy and gain the release of the 31 hostages, who include deposed ethnic-Indian Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and many members of his former Fiji Labor Party government, that are being held in the Parliament compound. DG/PB