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CANBERRA - The government is warning Australians against travelling to Fiji amid growing fears of an imminent coup.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) tonight upgraded its travel advisory for Fiji, warning Australians to reconsider their need to travel to the island nation because of an increasingly volatile security situation.
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer last week warned of the possibility of a coup within a fortnight, saying there was clear evidence the nation's military commander Commodore Frank Bainimarama was plotting to overthrow the government.
Tensions are again rising as Fiji police await a decision from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions on whether to issue a summons against Bainimarama over his threats against the Fiji government.
Fiji police have detailed seven allegations against Bainimarama and other senior officers, including a plot to overthrow Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase's government, making seditious statements and forcing Fiji's president to drop an inquiry against the commander.
There are also reports he is calling up more than 1,000 military reservists as part of a plan to "clean up" the government.
In its advice, DFAT said there were ongoing tensions between the Fiji government and the Fiji military forces, leading to the possibility of a military coup against the government.
"The security situation could deteriorate without warning," DFAT said.
"If you are in the capital Suva and concerned for your safety, you should consider leaving."
- AAP
