The interim government claims that the Australian Authorities brought in a Defence Advisor into Fiji under the pretext that he was just a visitor on holiday and that proper protocols may have been ignored.
As Australia condemned the expulsion of New Zealand's Acting High Commissioner to Fiji Caroline McDonald, their Foreign Minister Stephen Smith has said in a statement that the interim government in Fiji has refused to issue a diplomatic visa for Australia's Defence advisor to the South Pacific, who was here on a visitor’s visa which is unhelpful and destructive.
However, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Ratu Isoa Gavidi said that proper protocols were ignored and the Defence advisor was sneaked into the country by the Australian authorities.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Murry McCully has also linked McDonald's expulsion with Fiji refusing to renew the diplomatic visas for the NZ Police and Defence attache's.
However, Ratu Isoa reiterates that NZ and Australia no longer have any defence ties with Fiji which is the reason their visas were not renewed.
He stresses that the non-renewal of visas for the Police and Defence attaches at the NZ High Commission and the decision not to issue a visa to the Australian Defence advisor are totally separate matters from the expulsion of Caroline McDonald.
Aust Ignored Protocol-Ratu Isoa
Related Stories
COMPOL urges Lagalaga Sanatan students to value discipline and education
Students of Lagalaga Sanatan Primary School in Labasa have been reminded of the importance of education, discipline and obedience by the Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu. Tudravu spoke to the students during
Heavy Rain Alert remains for Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups
A Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for the Eastern half of Viti Levu from Serua, Namosi through Navua, Suva, Nausori, Tailevu, Naitasiri, Ra, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni, Kadavu, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups and near
Warning letter written to Prof. Narsey – Acting AG
Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga says a strong warning letter has been written to Electoral Reform Commissioner Professor Wadan Narsey after he came out publicly with the Electoral Reform Commission report recommen
3 Fijian men from KVT gang in Sydney denied bail for AUD$12.5M drugs case
Three Fijians who are alleged to be associated with a gang supplying drugs in Sydney have been refused bail by the court. 28-year-old Eparama Nevale, 28-year-old William Ravoka, and 24-year-old George Sukanaivalu,
Proposed ‘People First’ submits application for registration
The Proposed ‘People First’ has submitted its application for registration to the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa. Mataiciwa confirms that the FEO is now preparing to publish the party’s applica
Visitor arrivals on track for record year while sugar output drops
Visitor arrivals have recovered following a decline in the first quarter and based on current trends, Fiji is on track to achieve a third consecutive year of record visitor arrivals in 2025. While speaking on the p