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Fiji expels New Zealand envoy

Fiji's military leader yesterday expelled New Zealand's ambassador in an escalation of post-coup tensions between the two countries that prompted a threat of a "strong reaction" from Wellington.

Fiji's self-proclaimed interim Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said New Zealand high commissioner Michael Green would be expelled for interfering in domestic affairs. The expulsion was being made "with deep regret and reluctance," said Bainimarama, who toppled Fiji's elected government on Dec. 5 last year.

"The practice of quiet diplomacy was foremost, given all the chances to prevail by Fiji authorities in our efforts to seek understanding and cooperation of Mr Green to stop interfering in Fiji's domestic affairs given our status as a sovereign nation," a statement from Bainimarama's office said.

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark told reporters in Sydney the expulsion was "completely unacceptable."

"This is not proper behavior. There are no grounds whatsoever for sending a New Zealand high commissioner home from Fiji," Clark said.

She said that New Zealanders could be in danger in Fiji and should think twice before traveling to the popular South Pacific holiday destination.

"When a government deliberately inflames relations like this, you don't know what the next step will be," she said.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters described it as a "grave act" which would have serious consequences.

"Expelling diplomats is not the way for neighbors to conduct their relationship," Peters said.

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said Canberra stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Wellington.

"I'm dismayed and I deeply regret the decision of the military regime of Fiji to expel the New Zealand high commissioner," he said. "New Zealand has our full support in this matter."

Downer added he did not understand why Green had been singled out when other ambassadors, including Australia's envoy, had made similar statements about the military regime.

Reports in New Zealand said Bainimarama had been angered earlier this month when Green was made guest of honor at a rugby match in Suva between the Junior All Blacks and the Fiji national side.
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