Emergency regulations outrageous Peters
Friday September 07, 2007

New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters says the move by Fiji's interim administration to bring back the Public Emergency Regulations "is outrageous".

Interim Prime Minister Commodore Bainimarama said the his regime has invoked the emergency regulations yesterday in response to "some statements" made by deposed Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase on his return to Suva for the first time since being overthrown last December.

TvNZ reports that Peters says the move "is a clear signal that the regime is unwilling to heed the calls that have been made by the Pacific Islands Forum to get Fiji back on track to constitutional government".

New Zealand's Acting High Commissioner in Suva is seeking an urgent meeting with administration officials, to discuss the emergency regulations.

Peters says he is determined not to let the latest political turmoil in Fiji keep New Zealand away from next month's Pacific Forum.

This is despite the likelihood both Peters and his Prime Minister Helen Clark would come face to face with Bainimarama.

Peters said New Zealand has no intention of boycotting the Pacific Forum, even if Bainimarama shows up as well. He says he will not have New Zealand's great future and work in the Pacific contaminated by one aberration.

The official travel advice for New Zealanders heading to Fiji remains unchanged.

New Zealand Foreign Affairs says there continues to be some risk to tourists' security, and advises caution. It also says there are indications crime is rising in Fiji, particularly in urban areas.

The ministry says people should take particular care with cash and credit cards, especially when using ATMs.

Meanwhile Commodore Bainimarama said he would attend the Forum meeting with his interim Foreign Affairs minister Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.