Britain condemns diplomat's expulsion

Michael Cherrett

Britain's High Commissioner is the latest to speak out against Fiji's expulsion of New Zealand's High Commissioner Michael Green.

Mr Green is expected home next week, after being declared persona non grata by Fiji's interim government.

The interim government of Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama is accusing him interfering in Fiji's affairs. Two New Zealand police officers have been refused visas to travel to Suva to provide security for Mr Green's return home.

Britain's Deputy High Commissioner to New Zealand, Michael Cherrett, said the expulsion is unjustified and does not bode well for Fiji's commitment to a return to democracy.

He said the diplomatic community in Fiji is shocked about the move but it is business as usual for the British High Commission and other missions operating in there. Dr Cherrett said Fiji needs to return to democracy as soon as possible.

Prime Minister Helen Clark is describing Fiji as a "rogue state". The government's advisory for travellers to Fiji is that there is some risk in going to the country and caution is needed.

- NEWSTALK ZB