Australian Acting High Commissioner Sarah Roberts has been told to leave Fiji.
Foreign Affairs Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola said the decision to declare Roberts as persona non-grata is in accordance with the provision of Article 9.1 of the Vienna Convention, adding her expulsion is regrettable and a direct result of recent reports that Roberts has been interfering with the internal affairs of Fiji and conducting unfriendly acts.
Ratu Inoke said Fiji had exhausted all avenues and on numerous occasions have relayed our concerns to the Acting High Commission and these actions ultimately resulted in undermining the growth prospects of Fiji's economy, and the good rapport between Pacific Island Countries.
He added the practice of quiet diplomacy was given every chance to prevail by Fiji authorities in their efforts to seek understanding and co operation, and Roberts was advised to stop interfering in Fiji's domestic affairs, as Fiji is a sovereign nation.
Ratu Inoke said the Australian government has been engaged in strategies to undermine Fiji's sovereignty and weaken the economy, this has been further highlighted by calling on Melanesian Spearhead Group countries, especially Vanuatu, not to attend the MSG Leaders Summit.
According to Ratu Inoke, most of the non MSG member countries had already accepted the invitation to attend, adding Australia has no business in the MSG leaders’ summit but has continued to discourage MSG member States.
He expressed disappointment at the continued efforts by Australia to undermine the Fiji Government's effort to boost the economy and return to Parliamentary democracy by 2014.
He goes on to say that Fiji is being subjected to undue pressure and frustrated in its efforts by the use of economic, financial and political clout of Australia who feel that they are the sole arbiter for what is best for us all.
Ratu Inoke said that it is extremely important that Australia re engages with Fiji and that continue dialogue to work through issues.
Unfortunately, this did not work in Sarah Roberts case.
He however said he remained open and optimistic that our temporarily strained diplomatic relations are repairable.
Story by: Ana Naisoro
