Australia's High Commissioner to Fiji ordered to leave the country
- Herald Sun
- November 04, 2009
AUSTRALIA'S High Commissioner to Fiji was given 24 hours to leave the island last night in the latest deterioration of relations between the two countries.
Fiji's military strongman leader Frank Bainimarama ordered James Batley and New Zealand's High Commissioner out of the country.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade described the move as a "provocative and unreasonable" reaction to travel sanctions imposed against judges.
In a statement, the Department raised the prospect of further Australian action against the military regime.
"This regrettable step will further isolate the Fiji regime and will contribute nothing to a prompt return to democracy or the rule of law," a department spokesman said.
"Sadly, it is the people of Fiji who continue to suffer the most as a consequence of the regime’s ill-considered and destructive decisions.
"In response to these developments, Australia will give careful consideration to the question of possible further measures against the Fiji regime but, as in the past, the guiding principle in formulating Australia’s response will be that we will take no action that will hurt the ordinary people of Fiji."
Bainimarama, who overthrew the government in a 2006 coup, also recalled Fiji's envoys to Australia and New Zealand as he railed against international pressure to restore democratic rule.
Fiji was suspended from the Commonwealth over its refusal to hold early elections.
Australia sends aid to Fiji to avoid hurting its citizens, but its athletes are expected to be barred from the next Commonwealth Games.
Tensions rose in April when Australia and New Zealand imposed travel sanctions on Fijian officials, including judges.
Bainimarama said his regime would not be swayed by international opinion.
"It is my Government's duty to ensure that no foreign government should interfere with such judicial independence and integrity," he said.
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