ID :
88273
Fri, 11/06/2009 - 19:12
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/88273
The shortlink copeid
Aussies in Fiji urged to monitor safety
Australians living or holidaying in Fiji have been reminded to pay attention to
safety and security in the wake of the latest regional diplomatic spat.
While the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has not upgraded its travel
advisory, it reviewed the advice after the Australian high commissioner was thrown
out following a stoush over travel visas.
Fiji's self-appointed prime minister, Frank Bainimarama, accused Australia and New
Zealand of sabotaging his nation-building efforts by refusing to grant visas to
Fijian judges.
The allegations have been rejected by both nations, which have vowed to stand by
their hardline stance on Fiji's military regime, in power since it ousted the
democratically elected government in December 2006.
DFAT continues to warn Australians to "exercise caution" in Fiji, and warns
travellers and residents to read international media reports to keep informed of
risks.
"The situation in Fiji remains fluid," the department states on its Smart Traveller
website.
"Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor international media for
information about possible new safety or security risks."
Local media is subject to heavy censorship by government officials and does not
report on political unrest.
Despite Commissioner James Batley's expulsion, a DFAT spokesman said Australia's
high commission in Fiji was still fully staffed and providing consular support on
the ground.
"There's no change to our level of consular advice or service at this stage," he said.
New Zealanders have been less lucky. Kiwis travelling to Fiji have been warned not
to expect any commission assistance as most staff were deported along with their
acting commissioner, Todd Cleaver.
The commission was closed indefinitely after Cleaver was declared a "persona
non-grata".
He told the New Zealand media after his return that the regime made it "very clear"
he was expelled because of New Zealand's policies towards Fiji.
Meanwhile, New Zealand's Foreign Minister, Murray McCully, said on Friday it was
important not to "overdramatise the situation".
"We have, in this relationship, some ups and downs, and we've just been having a
down," he said.
Asked what the ups were, McCully replied optimistically: "The ups were we had been
involved in some very constructive conversation."
He met with Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele, a vocal Bainimarama critic, who
suggested the best way out of the latest diplomatic bind was "to pray a lot, pray
with patience".
He laughed when asked whether the prayer should include a plea to remove Bainimarama
from power.