No Fiji travel warning despite coup fears

Despite coup fears in Fiji, New Zealand has no intention of warning its 5000 citizens there to take precautions, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has indicated.

Yesterday Australia yesterday upgraded its travel warnings to the Pacific country.

Security in the Fijian capital of Suva has been tightened amid concerns over military commander Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama's threats to take over the government, accusing it of having racist policies.

The tension yesterday prompted Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to increase its travel advice.

It said: "We advise you to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety in Fiji because of current tensions involving the Fiji military forces."

But in New Zealand, Mr Peters is not making any similar moves.

"I have no reason to believe that there is any current threat to Fijian citizens or New Zealanders visiting or living in Fiji," Mr Peters said.

The New Zealand High Commission in Suva was closely monitoring the situation and seeking information from Fijian authorities, he said.

At "exercise caution", Australia's warning is on the second rung of their five tier warning system.

But Mr Peters believed the situation in Fiji was more an internal military problem rather than a coup coming.

"At this point in time there is not the evidence to suggest that we're looking at a coup; mind you one of the essences of any coup activity is secrecy," Mr Peters told National Radio today.

"At this point in time it looks to be an internal military matter."

He said there were about 5000 New Zealanders now in Fiji but there wasn't the "level of emergency" needed for this country to impose any travel warnings.

Mr Peters had plans to visit Fiji on regular business at some stage but there had been no special invitation in light of the disruption.

Commander Bainimarama yesterday met with other officers reportedly unhappy with his threats.

Afterwards, Fiji military spokesman Captain Neumi Leweni played down reports that senior officers, including army head Colonel Jone Baledrokadroka, had demanded Commander Bainimarama either stop threatening the government or quit his post.

"There was some disagreement but nothing really big. People have exaggerated it," Capt Leweni told AFP.

Fijian Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase was briefed on the situation throughout the day but said there was no cause for concern.

"I appeal to the nation to remain calm as there is nothing to worry about."

Cdre Bainimarama on Sunday accused Mr Qarase's government of introducing racist policies and said the military was prepared to take control if necessary.

He has been an outspoken opponent of the government's plans to offer amnesties to those involved in a racially-inspired coup in May 2000.

Fiji TV reported police had tightened security around Suva, although a police officer said the situation was normal and the city was calm.

- NZPA