The Australian government has reiterated that they are still concerned about the safety of their High Commissioner to Fiji, James Batley and all their staff based at the High Commission in Suva.
Australian Foreign Affairs Minister, Stephen Smith said in an interview with ABC Pacific beat, that he has also raised concern that the request for additional Australian security to protect the commission has been denied by the Interim Government.
Following this, Smith told reporters in Canberra that they had decided to allow the families of Australian officals at the High Commission to return to Australia if they wished to do so.
Meanwhile, according to Stephen Smith, Australia would continue to push for democratic elections to be held in Fiji by March 2009.
Batley Awaits Additional Security Arrangements
Interim Minister for Defense stresses that the interim government will go to any length to ensure the protection and safety of members of the diplomatic corp in Fiji.
Ratu Epeli Ganilau told Fijivillage that the responsibility to protect the diplomatic missions lies with the interim government and that is why the request by the Australian High Commission to allow the Australian Federal Police in the country to provide security was declined.
Ratu Epeli said the High Commissions' security concerns will be dealt with by local law enforcement agencies.
Australian High Commissioner to Fiji James Batley told Fijivillage that they are disappointed that their request for Australian Federal Police to enter the country has been rejected and following the decision they have requested additional security arrangements to be put in place by later today.
Batley adds that while they respect the decision to not to allow the Australian Federal Police into the country, it is an option which they may persue in future if the need arises.
The Police Commissioner Commodore Esala Teleni said he will make a detailed statement tomorrow on the two death threats received and the security arrangements.
Meanwhile, New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said she is disappointed that Fiji authorities have rejected an Australian request to deploy extra security at its high commission in Suva follow death threats received against the High Commissioner James Batley.
Radio New Zealand reports that the New Zealand government is deeply concerned following the second politically motivated death threat against Bately.
Prime Minister Helen Clark is quoted as saying that the threats appear to have been made by people who oppose Australia's policy on Fiji. Clark said Australia and New Zealand are doing their best to help Fiji hold parliamentary elections in March 2009 and the Fiji authorities’ actions are disappointing.
Clark also confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade advise to New Zealanders living in Fiji or travelling to Fiji, continues to highlight the risk and need for caution.
She said the New Zealand High Commission in Suva is also taking precautions for the safety of its staff members.
