Fiji situation needs to be monitored

Saturday, 13 Jan, 2006 0

DFAT on Thursday issued an increased travel warning to Fiji, due to tensions in the military in the Pacific nation.

“We advise you to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety in Fiji because of current tensions involving the Fiji military forces,” the advice says.

Yesterday afternoon Suva’s Queen Victoria barracks, headquarters of the Fiji military, was sealed off, its gates guarded by armed military police, while Commodore Bainimarama held a series of meetings with senior officers. Both the military and the police denied rumours sweeping the capital in the morning that the Government had ordered the police to arrest him.

The Police Tactical Response Unit was yesterday placed on alert, police recalled from holidays and the Prime Minister convened a special meeting of the National Security Council after the army locked down its Queen Elizabeth barracks, shutting out all visitors.

A group of senior military officers, led by Acting Land Force Commander Lieutenant Colonel Jone Baledrokadroka, is believed to have confronted Commodore Bainimarama yesterday morning and demanded he stop making public statements against the Government.

Further rounds of meetings are due to be held today with Vice-President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi, Mr Qarase and Home Affairs Minister, Josefa Vosanibola scheduled to talk at 10am.

“I am aware of the situation at the camp,” said Mr Vosanibola yesterday afternoon.

Last night the Presidents Office said everything was normal and rejected suggestions that there could be another coup.

“Everything is fine. It is normal,” said official secretary to the President, Rupeni Nacewa.

Graham Muldoon

This is Jersey. An island shaped by the sea where some of the most astonishing tides in the world circle...

From the beginning, ATI’s philosophy has been “innovation, not duplication.“ Developing specialized technology solutions to connect over 30,000 accommodation, attracti...

Take your clients’ vacation to the next level at Universal Orlando Resort™. With three amazing theme parks – Universal Studios...

River cruising is a treat for the senses, allowing you to see, touch, feel and experience the world like never...

In the heart of Europe, in one of the most innovative cities in the world, at the centre of business,...

Discover Sarawak Revealing a side of Asia unlike anywhere else, Sarawak offers an alternative for those seeking humble authenticity far...

Located in the heart of the Northeast and within easy driving distance of a third of the population of the...

Here at Elegant Resorts, luxury travel is in our DNA. True pioneers in the industry, we were the first specialist...

Air Transat is Canada’s number one leisure airline. It flies to some 60 international destinations in more than 25 countries...

We make travel accessible for everyone We believe everyone should be free to experience the world. For us, there’s no...

City Cruises is a leading operator of sightseeing, dining and charter services operating in London, York and Poole. We offer...

Cunard is the operator of luxury cruise ships Queen Mary 2®, Queen Victoria® and Queen Elizabeth®. Renowned for impeccable White...

Chargebacks911 offers scalable solutions that are customized for any business of any size in any industry. With the flexibility to...

Holiday Extras is the UK market leader in airport parking, airport hotels, worldwide airport lounges, destination car hire, airport transfers...

The Florida Keys and Key West is a 126 mile long string of Islands connected to South Florida by the...

With long periods of Thailand’s History, according to evidences and studies, Sukhothai was the first kingdom of Thailand. At that time, an early Thai...