U.S. Reaction to Expulsion of Australian and New Zealand Diplomats from Fiji
The United States deplores the decision by Fiji's Military-led Government to expel New Zealand's Acting Head of Mission as well as Australia's High Commissioner.
This latter act is unprecedented in that Australia now holds the chairmanship of the Pacific Islands Forum.
These actions have undermined any opportunity for progress toward the engagement and constructive dialogue between Fiji and its neighbours.
The United States reiterates its call for the repeal of the Public Emergency Regulations to restore the rights to free speech and assembly that are essential for Fiji's return to democracy.
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Note to Editors: Please attribute this statement to the U.S. Department of State