New Fiji Regime Expels New Zealand High Commissioner 

2009-11-05 11:20

 

Fiji coup leader and self-appointed Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama kicked out New Zealand's acting high commissioner on Thursday, November 5th.

Todd Cleaver and his family were somber as they got into a car that took them to the international airport.

New Zealand and Australia expelled Fiji's top diplomats on Wednesday, November 4th, further isolating the Pacific island nation.

Bainimarama told the New Zealand and Australian envoys on Tuesday to leave within 24 hours, saying they were interfering in Fiji’s internal affairs.

Australia and New Zealand are calling for Fiji to return to democracy.

[Kevin Rudd, Australian Prime Minister]:
"The governments of Australia and New Zealand will not simply stand idly by while this Fijian regime fundamentally breaches it's democratic principle."

Bainimarama attended the swearing in ceremony of the new president, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, a former military commander.

[Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Fiji President]:
“I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Republic of Fiji according to law, so help me God.”

Bainimarama says he expelled the diplomats because Australia and New Zealand had interfered with Fiji's judiciary and the travel of new judges from Sri Lanka.

Fiji has had four coups and a bloody military mutiny since 1987.