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Fiji's interim Government has criticised as baseless a New Zealand Government travel warning which says there is a security risk in the island nation.
Fiji's Acting Tourism Minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, said the advisory posted on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website on Christmas Eve was not based on facts but on "conjecture and political posturing by the New Zealand Government".
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said a quick survey showed there had been hardly any cancellations by New Zealand tourists despite the warning.
"Fiji is a safe destination to travel to. In fact, Fiji is a lot safer to travel to than some parts of South Auckland. Many New Zealand tourists currently in Fiji, in particular Aucklanders, will testify to this," he said.
New Zealand and Fiji have expelled each other's high commissioner after a diplomatic row over New Zealand sanctions to pressure Fiji into holding democratic elections.
Self-appointed Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama told the New Zealand Government that Acting High Commissioner Caroline McDonald would be ordered to leave Fiji unless a visa was granted to George Nacewa, the son of a senior official in Suva, so he could finish his studies at Massey University.
Foreign Minister Murray McCully told Commodore Bainimarama the visa would not be granted.
Ms McDonald flew back to New Zealand on Sunday and Fiji's Interim High Commissioner in New Zealand, Cama Tuiloma, returned to Fiji the same day.
The ministry website says the NZ diplomat's expulsion could lead to increased tensions and New Zealanders in Fiji were advised to exercise particular caution and maintain a low profile.
"Currently, Fiji is calm but a rapid deterioration to the situation, including the potential for civil disorder and violence, cannot be ruled out.
"New Zealand citizens in Fiji should be security conscious at all times, avoiding any demonstrations, large gatherings and areas of military activity, especially in and around the capital Suva." The ministry said police vehicle checkpoints remained in place in urban areas, particularly at night.
"There are indications that crime levels are increasing in Fiji. Robbery, theft and incidents of assault have been reported by locals and tourists alike, [mostly] at night and in urban areas.
"New Zealanders are advised to take particular care with cash and credit cards, especially when using automatic teller machines."
- NZPA
