Parts of Fiji 'safer'

Violence continued in Fiji yesterday but New Zealand officials said security had improved enough that Kiwis could now travel in some areas.

However, as a woman was burned to death in her home at Nausori, near Suva, the Government continued to warn Kiwis against holiday and other non-essential travel to Suva and some other parts of Fiji - particularly Nausori and Tailevu townships.

The areas have been closely identified with supporters of coup leader George Speight.

The householder killed in the 2 am blaze was Tara Mati. Her husband, Dimend Prasad, said several phone calls had been made to neighbours threatening that their houses would be burned.

Foreign Minister Phil Goff says that since a crackdown by the Fiji military forces, the situation has become calm on the western side of Viti Levu, Nadi, the offshore island resorts and the Coral Coast.

But there remains a possibility of isolated incidents, some of which could be directed against visitors, and he warns Kiwis to maintain a high level of security awareness.

"New Zealanders are advised against holiday and non-essential travel to Suva, the central division of Viti Levu [the eastern side] and the island of Vanua Levu."