Expulsion of the NZ High Commissioner

[posted 24 Dec 2008,1600]

The Fiji Labour Party regrets the expulsion of the New Zealand and Fiji High Commissioners from their respective missions, said Labour Leader Mahendra Chaudhry.

Relations between Fiji and New Zealand have remained strained since the expulsion of New Zealand’s former High Commissioner Michael Green in June last year.

It is unfortunate that this situation has arisen so close to a special Pacific Islands Forum meeting scheduled for 27 January 2009 in Port Moresby.

This meeting will, reportedly, deliberate on the political situation here and take a decision on Fiji’s membership of the Forum.

The FLP urges both governments to urgently address the problems that have resulted in the expulsion of the New Zealand High Commissioner. Every effort should be made to normalize relations as soon as possible.

It is unfortunate that a diplomatic encounter of this type has occurred at a time when the people of Fiji were being led to believe that special efforts were under way to mend relations with our bigger neighbours.

“Regretably, the current impasse may lead to negative consequences on trade, investment and tourism between the two countries,” Mr Chaudhry said.