Australian, New Zealand diplomats given 24 hours to leave Fiji
Suva, Fiji: Australia and New Zealand heads of mission in Fiji have been given 24 hours to leave the country.
Fijian leader, Commodore Frank Bainimarama called a media conference in Suva this evening to announce his intention to expel the two diplomats and recall their counterparts from Canberra and Wellington.
“It is for this reason that I have told the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue communications to the Australia and NZ Governments that their respective heads of mission are to be recalled within 24 hours.
“I have also informed them that our high commissioner in Australia is to be recalled with immediate effect.
Fiji’s acting high commissioner to Australia, Kamlesh Arya is to return to Suva with immediate effect.
PACNEWS understands that Australian High Commissioner, James Batley is out of the country and was due back in Suva on Saturday (05 November). In his absence, Ms Sarah Roberts is acting high commissioner.
New Zealand is represented in Fiji at deputy high commissioner level by Todd Cleaver, who has also been expelled from the country.
“They claim to be our friends yet on the other hand they failed to recognise the efforts that we are making in being a good international citizen. They fail to understand that we are creating a country that is based on equal and common citizenry, a country of modern laws, a country which will have true democracy.
Commodore Bainimarama said his decision is based on engagement rather than disengagement.
“My focus is to deal with the ills of the past, to create a better future. My focus means that in my engagement, I am upfront, candid and honest. That is why I cannot understand why Australia and NZ are engaged in dishonest and untruthful strategies, to undermine our judiciary, our independent institutions and our economy.
This strong diplomatic reaction stems from what Fiji claims is Australia and New Zealand’s interference with individuals appointed to the country’s judiciary.
This week, the Chief Justice, Justice Tony Gates criticised Australia and New Zealand for the refusal of travel visas for Sri Lankan judges appointed to the bench and the treatment of a Fijian magistrate, Anjala Wati who was seeking medical help in New Zealand for her daughter.
In December last year, Fijian authorities expelled New Zealand deputy head of mission, Caroline McDonald for acting inappropriately and not engaging with the Fijian administration. It was over the refusal of travel visa for the son of a senior government official.
New Zealand high commissioner, Michael Green was declared persona non grata in June 2007 for interfering with Fiji’s domestic affairs.
Suva, Fiji: Australia and New Zealand heads of mission in Fiji have been given 24 hours to leave the country. Fijian leader, Commodore Frank Bainimarama called a media conference in Suva this evening to announce his intention to expel the two diplomats and recall their counterparts from Canberra...
Suva, Fiji: Australia and New Zealand heads of mission in Fiji have been given 24 hours to leave the country.
Fijian leader, Commodore Frank Bainimarama called a media conference in Suva this evening to announce his intention to expel the two diplomats and recall their counterparts from Canberra and Wellington.
“It is for this reason that I have told the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue communications to the Australia and NZ Governments that their respective heads of mission are to be recalled within 24 hours.
“I have also informed them that our high commissioner in Australia is to be recalled with immediate effect.
Fiji’s acting high commissioner to Australia, Kamlesh Arya is to return to Suva with immediate effect.
PACNEWS understands that Australian High Commissioner, James Batley is out of the country and was due back in Suva on Saturday (05 November). In his absence, Ms Sarah Roberts is acting high commissioner.
New Zealand is represented in Fiji at deputy high commissioner level by Todd Cleaver, who has also been expelled from the country.
“They claim to be our friends yet on the other hand they failed to recognise the efforts that we are making in being a good international citizen. They fail to understand that we are creating a country that is based on equal and common citizenry, a country of modern laws, a country which will have true democracy.
Commodore Bainimarama said his decision is based on engagement rather than disengagement.
“My focus is to deal with the ills of the past, to create a better future. My focus means that in my engagement, I am upfront, candid and honest. That is why I cannot understand why Australia and NZ are engaged in dishonest and untruthful strategies, to undermine our judiciary, our independent institutions and our economy.
This strong diplomatic reaction stems from what Fiji claims is Australia and New Zealand’s interference with individuals appointed to the country’s judiciary.
This week, the Chief Justice, Justice Tony Gates criticised Australia and New Zealand for the refusal of travel visas for Sri Lankan judges appointed to the bench and the treatment of a Fijian magistrate, Anjala Wati who was seeking medical help in New Zealand for her daughter.
In December last year, Fijian authorities expelled New Zealand deputy head of mission, Caroline McDonald for acting inappropriately and not engaging with the Fijian administration. It was over the refusal of travel visa for the son of a senior government official.
New Zealand high commissioner, Michael Green was declared persona non grata in June 2007 for interfering with Fiji’s domestic affairs.
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