Forum - Coming Soon
Australia Issues Revised Travel Advice for Fiji

Wed, 01 Nov 2006

Australians travelling to Fiji were today urged to be very cautious in case of possible military action against the Government .

Australia has upgraded its travel advice for people visiting or staying on the island, to exercise a high degree of caution, which is in the middle of the five levels. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said, "We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Fiji due to increased tensions between the Fiji Government and the Fiji Military Forces and the possibility of military action against the Government .

"The security situation could deteriorate without warning. You should avoid demonstrations, street rallies, public gatherings and concentrations of military personnel. Such events could become catalysts for civil disorder."

The DFAT also urged Australians to pay close attention to their personal security at all times and keep a close eye on the media and local information sources for any new risks .

In recent weeks the tension has been rising between the Fiji military and the Government, which has prompted the DFAT to alter their advice. The chaos started after army commander, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, threatened to sack the Government by force unless it dropped two pieces of legislation, including an amnesty for some of the plotters of the 2000 coup.

The Australian Navy has two of its warships on standby in case of an evacuation from the island involving any Australians.
add to favouritesnewsletterlink to this pagesend to friendpost comments

Link to this page

Copy and Paste the following HTML into your page.