Police revealed this morning that they have managed to identify the possible suspects who allegedly made death threats against Australian High Commissioner to Fiji James Batley.

Police spokeswoman Ema Mua confirmed to Fijivillage this morning that the Criminal Investigations Department has almost completed the investigations and are gathering all the necessary evidence.

When questioned about the suspects and where they are from, Mua denied revealing anything. She only said that more than one person is involved.

"They have progressed very positively through this investigation. They have also suspects. Suspects have been more than one. They could one, or two or three - but they have their suspects and we will not be giving out information as yet on the suspects to the media or to the public. These investigations involve very high diplomatic corp in the country so we’re going to keep it at minimal publication as possible. I think our Criminal Investigation Department will only liaise with the rightful authorities after the investigations are done. Other than that, in a nutshell the investigations have gone past the half-way mark and have gone progressively." Ema Mua Police Spokesperson

She also could not confirm when charges, if any, are expected to be laid.

"It took some time to get to the stage where we are at the moment, but I don’t think it should take any longer than this. The CID department should be commended for this. I don’t think it should take very long but if it does, then it’s for the best cause – so that all stones are overturned so that mistakes are not made e.t.c. But other than that, I cannot really say how much time our CID Department will take to make arrests." Ema Mua Police Spokesperson

Last month, Australian High Commissioner James Batley received two death threats. The threats were contained in letters, which arrived at his office at the Australian High Commission in Suva.

Aust Govt Concerned over Batley’s Safety 21/05/2008 | 17:52
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 18/05/2008 | 17:36
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 added that while they respect the decision to not 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 did not immediately comment.

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 reported that the New Zealand government is deeply concerned following the second politically motivated death threat against Bately.

Prime Minister Helen Clark was 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.