The Australian High Commission in Suva has refuted claims by some media that they had stopped processing visa applications after a second death threat was made against Australian High Commissioner James Batley yesterday.

In a statement today, officials at the high commission, which is located at Princes Road in Tamavua, confirmed that they are still processing applications and that they never did stop.
They also clarified that due to the stepping up of security at the premises, the number of people allowed entry into the high commission at any one time has been restricted.
Radio Australia had reported that entry into the Australian High Commission had been restricted and locals wanting to lodge visa applications to visit Australia were unable to do so.

Interim AG Concerned With Media Reports

Interim Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has lashed out at reports by the Australian media that the Australian High Commission in Fiji had stopped processing visa applications.
The Interim AG said these kinds of misleading reports would most definitely have a negative impact on Fiji.


"In respect of the visa issue, I’ve been reliably informed that there’s no stoppages as far as processing visa applications are concerned. So it is of concern that you have journalists - who are supposed to be reporting on fact - sending out false information. It obviously does have a negative impact.
“So it is of concern – and these are some of the matters that we have raised with those media organizations that they seem to go from a sensationalist angle disregarding the fact. And the fact is that the Australian High Commission, from what we’ve been told, has not stopped processing visa applications. Period! So to add fuel to the fire, if you like, it does not help.” Interim Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

Australian Federal Police

Meanwhile, the Australian government has asked Fiji's interim Government for permission to bring Australian Federal Police into Fiji to provide extra security for the staff at the high commission.

The Australian Foreign Minister, Stephen Smith told Parliament in Canberra that a formal request was made last week after the first death threat was received.

Smith also said that the second threat yesterday (May 15th 2008) prompted Australia to update its travel advisory to Fiji.

Smith said he sent a formal note to the Interim Foreign Minister yesterday reiterating the deep concern of the Australian government about the threats, and seeking urgent and full cooperation in responding to their formal requests for additional and personal protection and security.

Aust Visa Applications Stopped Publish date/time: 16/05/2008 [07:06]

The Australian High Commission has stopped processing visa applications after a second death threat was made against the High Commissioner, James Batley.

According to the ABC, entry into the Australian High Commission is now restricted and locals wanting to lodge visa applications to visit Australia are not able to do so.

The High Commission has not said when the restrictions will be lifted. However Fijivillage News is awaiting a reply from the High Commission.

Meanwhile the Australian government has asked Fiji's interim government for permission for Australian Federal Police to enter the country and provide extra security for the High Commission staff.

Australian Foreign Minister, Stephen Smith has told parliament in Canberra that a formal request was made last week after the first death threat was received.

Smith also said that the arrival of the second threat yesterday has prompted Australia to update its travel warning to Fiji.

Smith said he sent a formal note to the Interim Foreign Minister yesterday reiterating the deep concern of the Australian government about the threats, and seeking urgent and full cooperation in responding to their formal requests for additional and personal protection and security.

Australian Govt Request Rejected
Publish date/time: 17/05/2008 [10:45]
The interim government has refused the request by the Australian government to send in Australian Federal Police to provide security to their High Commissioner and Commission staff.

Interim Foreign Affairs Minister Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said the decision has been made and local police will provide the required security adding there is no need for the Australian Federal Police to enter the country.

The Australian High Commission is expected to comment later today on the refusal by the interim government.

Meanwhile, High Commissioner James Batley said that the immigration services of the High Commission remains open, however, new arrangements have been introduced to limit the number of visa applicants entering the High Commission at any one time.

Earlier this week, the High Commission received its second death threat via a letter in the mail prompting the Australian High Commission to request their own security services to be brought into the country.

Police Investigate Aust High Comm Threat (15th May 2008)

In the meantime, Police are continuing investigations into the second death threat against the High Commissioner received earlier today.

Police Public Relations Officer, Atunaisa Sokomuri said they had not seen the letter containing the death threat and could not comment further.

“We received a complaint about this threat from the Australian Embassy but, at the moment, we can’t comment any further on the matter because our men are still there to take down the complaint. And we still haven’t received or seen the contents of the letter.” Atunaisa Sokomuri Police PRO

This second death threat has resulted in the High Commission reviewing current security arrangements.

It has also been revealed in a High Commission statement that they will be restricting access to the Australian High Commission in Suva. It has been confirmed that the threat came in a letter through the mail earlier today.

The High Commission immediately contacted the Police, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Civil Aviation.

The Australian High Commission will be seeking urgent high level discussions with the Fiji authorities on the two threats received in the past week. Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ross Ligairi has confirmed that he was advised about the threat by the Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, James Batley at about 11:15am today.
Ligairi said the relevant agencies had been informed and necessary action was being taken. Ligairi said more information would be revealed later.

Meanwhile, Sokomuri has revealed that investigations into the first death threat are continuing as the police try to identify the man who gave the letter containing the threat to a taxi driver to deliver to the High Commission.

Police are also calling for information which may lead to the arrest of the people who are making the death threats.