NZ Ambassador's speech angers Fiji

A speech by New Zealand's Ambassador to Fiji is reported to have sparked a diplomatic incident.

Speaking at the University of the South Pacific journalism awards on Friday night, Tia Barrett said: "Those responsible for the upheavals in Fiji are yet to face justice, and it seems incredible that this has not been done, despite the wealth of information available."

Even more disturbing, he said, was the "continued absence of democratic institutions in Fiji to express the will of the people."

News agencies in Fiji have quoted interim Information Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola condemning Mr Barrett's speech.

- NZPA