Fiji expels New Zealand, Australian envoys
Agence France-Presse | 11/03/2009 3:41 PM
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SUVA - Fiji's military leader Voreqe Bainimarama Tuesday ordered the Australian and New Zealand envoys leave within 24 hours over alleged interference with Fiji's judiciary.
"I have told the minister of foreign affairs to issue communications to the Australian and New Zealand governments that their respective heads of missions are to be recalled within 24 hours," Bainimarama said in a televised address.
"I have also informed them our high commissioner (ambassador) in Australia is to be recalled with immediate effect," he said.
Australia and New Zealand have been at the forefront of condemnation of Bainimarama since he toppled Fiji's elected government in a December 2006 coup.
Bainimarama accused both countries of "a consolidated effort to attack Fiji's independent judiciary" over alleged attempts to block Fiji judges travelling through Australia and New Zealand.
Both countries have travel restrictions on figures associated with the military regime.
Bainimarama said the heads of Australia and New Zealand's diplomatic missions in Fiji had refused to engage with the government.
"They misinform Canberra and Wellington and wage a negative campaign against the government and people of Fiji," he said.
"It is my government's duty to ensure that no foreign government should interfere with such judicial independence and integrity. We must always protect and be proud our sovereignty."
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