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SUVA - New Zealand and Australia yesterday defended reinforcing their diplomatic missions in politically troubled Fiji.
Fiji Land Force Commander Colonel Pita Driti criticised New Zealand for sending four police officers to bolster security at its High Commission in Suva.
But Prime Minister Helen Clark reacted angrily, saying Wellington had informed the Fijian Government and police.
"Frankly, in what normal country would you go and ring the military and say, "Is it all right if we send four police officers to provide security at the High Commission?"' Helen Clark told Newstalk ZB.
Colonel Driti accused Australia of breaching sovereignty and threatening security by sending an unspecified number of police he described as mercenaries.
Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said extra staff were flown to Fiji last Friday with equipment to communicate with two warships sent towards Fiji.
"I'm not going into the details of who they are, but I'm just saying that we need people to assist with co-ordination and administration, and they obviously need some equipment," Mr Downer told Australian Broadcasting Corp radio.
Australia and New Zealand have been rattled by the stand-off between Fiji's military and Government, which has raised fears of a fourth coup in 20 years.
Australia was accused at a Pacific summit in Fiji last month of being a regional bully by linking its billion-dollar aid programme to good governance.
It has warned outspoken Fiji military chief Frank Bainimarama not to move against Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase because another coup would hurt outside investment and the tourism on which Fiji relies.
Australia last week sent two warships towards Fiji in case it needed to evacuate some of the 7000 Australian holidaymakers there.
It said the ships would not enter Fijian territory without being asked.
Commander Bainimarama returned to Fiji on Saturday after visiting Fijian troops in the Middle East.
The military leader is expected to meet Mr Qarase this week as well as Fiji Police Commissioner Andrew Hughes, an Australian, in an attempt to ease tensions.
- REUTERS
