Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Fiji travel warning

Bula, friends,

Last time there was a coup in Fiji, there was no major problem; the leaders against the Indo-Fijian elected government were eventually captured, the reconstituted Fijian government wrote a new constitution progtecting native Fijian rights and little harm befell anyone, much less visitors.

This time, the man who was displaced by that coup, Cdr. Cdr Frank Bainimarama, is threatening to return to Fiji (he is in Egypt reviewing the troopies attached to the UN,) to displace lawfully elected PM Laisenia Qarase and has stated "The last thing we want to do is have violence... but Qarase is pointing us in that direction. The fact that he doesn't want to resign and the fact that he's called for the meeting of the Great Council of Chiefs means to the military that he's put us in a situation where there is going to be bloodshed and violence."

Mr. Qarase unsuccessfully tried to dump Cdr. Bainimarama a couple of days ago, after Bainimirama complained that the amnesty for the coup leaders of six years ago would let off criminals - of course, he was the target of the coup, so he has less than objective motives. It is possible Qarase would attemtp to have Bainimarama arrested on arrival, and what is unknown is whether the armed forces would be loyal to the elected government or would follow orders of the Commodore.

Fijians seem unsettled, there is reporteds to be some stockpliling right now, and if yuo can, you may well want to avoid Fiji, or at least the capital and major towns, for the next week until things settle down. The Fijians are hospitable people, but they are also very fierce warriors when it gets down to brass tacks, and visitors would not want to get into the thick of it. Is trouble probable? No, it is possible and the Commodore is telling us so.

I love Fiji - and hope this passes.

BBC: Fiji's military head Frank Bainimarama has warned that the refusal of Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase to resign might lead to bloodshed. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6108630.stm)

I am currently planning on taking my family to Australia via Fiji in early January - mostly so we can take a four day break in Nandi on the way back to the US next August.

I am very concerned about buying the tix between now and the 7th.

You have any advice or thoughts?

I know that in the past couple days the Royal Australian Navy has dispatched 2 warships to Fiji as standby in the event that evacuation of Australian citizens is necessary... One is the frigate HMAS Newcastle, stationed in Sydney. I had the pleasure a few months ago to have attended an in-port reception aboard the Newcastle while the ship was in port at the Royal Australian Navy's Fleet Base East at Garden Island, Sydney.

Greetings JDiver and fellow FTers: I will try and update everyone on the situation firsthand as Mrs. Platinum Cub and I will be passing through Nadi on the way to Taveuni as part of our honeymoon getaway during the week of November 19th.

I have never really put too much into the US State Department Travel "Warnings". But a warning still has not been issued concerning the present situation. :td:

On the other hand, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office has an updated account of the political unrest. Just to be on the safe side, I'll make sure to register with the Department of State and US Embassy in Fiji prior to our visit.

We will continue to look forward to our first visit to this wonderful and friendly country and can only hope that the recent events do not escalate into "bloodshed and violence" for the people of Fiji.

On a sidenote, JDiver: Thank you for your most recent advice on the AA forum. Your knowledge is always appreciated and we will continue to use your pointers on our long anticipated Circle Pacific trip!

I 'lived' through the last coup in Fiji - friendliest armed guys ever - not even an issue for a 'kavalagi' (foriegner). The Fijians were all very very polite, non-threatening, and many were apologetic for the 'foolishness' of their leaders, etc.
Foreign media makes a huge deal of nothing.

In fact, during and slightly after 'coup time' - were some of the best times at the resorts... empty and deals galore...

Well, I'm flying there Saturday night for a week, so if there is a coup I'll try to claim an island. Perhaps a small one, one that no one would notice for a while. I'll claim it under the guise of a scientific research station, saying that global warming has caused us to have to study migratory patterns of small threatened species.

I read through the State Department's notice, and I'm not too concerned. We're staying at the Octopus Resort (Yasawa Island chain) so I wouldn't think we'd be up for any excitement anyway. But I'll let you know!

The BBC has a decent article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6190284.stm

Meantime, nothing has settled. The PM has withdrawn his offer of amnesty to the previous coup leaders, Commodore Bainimarama issued a list of "non-negotiable demands", and threatened to proceed if there was non-complaince.

Military reservists have been called out, troops are controlling downtown Suva, Australia has ships in the vicinity in case evacuation of Australian citizens becomes necessary, and the governments of both Australia and New Zealand are encouraging the parties to work it out - and their citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to Fiji at this time.

Travel to Fiji should probably avoid Suva and travelers should be aware travel dosruptions could occur at Nadi International Airport (possibly Suva as well, but few international flights arrive there.) Fijians have been nothing but cordial to travelers during the last three coups in twenty years, but it is still possible to be caught between factions and to endure servcie and travel disruptions in the more populated areas if this coup occurs, IMO.

Keep your eye on the news... Some countries I have visited coups have a tenndency to occur around holidays as disruptions are fewer and it is easier to mount an insurrection or coup with fewer disruptions to business and protests.

Big show of strength in Suva - the Army is deploying on "night exercises" in the capital city as a show of strength, to secure "strategic areas" due to fears of "foreign intervention." Sounds like a bunch of "bula" to me... ;) but the coup might be starting, or possibly a show to intimidate the PM and "encourage" him to step down.

ABC News in Oz has just announced breaking news, then confirmed, that an Australian Blackhawk chopper has come down.
A news conference will be on very soon. No word on rescues or missing people so far [update (http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/black-hawk-lost-at-sea/2006/11/29/1164777649789.html) : 3 possibly missing in this accident- it was awaiting requests for possible post-coup evacuation]

There was a big inquiry into the last one, (Seahawk) during aid efforts post-earthquake in Nias, Indonesia and an earlier Blackhawk accident.

Any local news to report?

Today's BBC article (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6158619.stm) begins: "Fiji's military chief Cmdr Frank Bainimarama has warned he will overthrow the government on Friday, unless his demands are met."

Bainimarama also demands the Police Chief be fired immediately, and he wants the sedition charges made against him dropped.

"Cmdr Bainimarama reiterated his ultimatum and said that unless the government met all of the army's demands fully, all cabinet ministers and advisers should resign.

"I give him until tomorrow afternoon to comply with our demands or I will start the clean-up campaign," he was quoted as saying.

Cmdr Bainimarama said the government had until 1200 on Friday (0000GMT) to act."

Latest from NZ Herald (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10413232) - coup on hold for rugby match between army and police.

Rugger is bloody serious stuff! :)

Meantime, the Aussie police chief has left the country and returned home, several ministers have gone into hiding, the Commodore has said he will rpoceed to "clean up" government - but only after both sides of the rugby match have sat down to quaff some grog (yaqona, pronounced young-go-nuh, or kava,) to celebrate. Ah, yes, Fiji!

You can read a lot of interest on the Fiji Times website (http://www.fijitimes.com/) while I am on the road. As it says, "In the crisis affecting Fiji, the army says it will not back down because the Government is wrong; the police cannot back down because they must uphold the law; and the Government will not back down because it says it has a mandate to introduce new laws."

Saturday's Fiji Times lead article begins:

The military says it is now in charge of law and order in the country because the police have not done a good job.

"The police have not done a good job in the past and now the military will take over in looking after the people and the nation," Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama told The Sunday Times yesterday.

"We will look after all citizens from now on as we have always done and we will ensure that all are safe, despite race, gender or religion."

He said that police had not shown good leadership and "that is why the military has come in now to carry out the duty of the police and provide security assurance to the nation and the people of Fiji".

The next few days will be interesting, to say the least. We can hope and pray gentle order will indeed be maintained, citizens' and vistors' rights will be upheld, that there will be no bloodshed and privation, and that democracy may be established soon, but the Commodore has stated the complete takeover will occur within 48 hours - perhaps even early Monday, as the rumours have it:

"Update 8.10pm (Sunday Dec 3, Fiji time): Fiji is braced for a military takeover in the next 48 hours after army chief Commodore Bainimarama on Sunday afternoon repeated his claim that the armed forces are poised to launch a "clean-up campaign" of the Government.

The capital, Suva, is tense and generally deserted as people stay in their homes, or move their families out of the city to safer village areas.

Many businesses put up steel grilles over their shopfronts at the close of business at Saturday lunchtime in anticipation of trouble

Rumours are circulating widely in Suva, but there is little solid information coming from the military.

However Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, appearing on a Fijian language television show this afternoon, said the campaign would begin in the next day or two."

New reports now, that the Army has taken over the Police Tactical Response Unit, which is the only armed section of the police and the location of the armory. Presently there is a standoff with the Army demanding an inventory of the weapons.

So far this was just from two tv correspondents on site, so can anyone else confirm anything?

This takeover occurred in the last 30 minutes, according to reports.
Our media is rather distracted by a local leadership challenge - albeit for the opposition to the Ausrtalian government.
(Based on unofficial SMS messages to media we have a new opposition leader- goodbye 'Bomber' Beasley)

The Army have confiscated all police weapons from the TRU and police armoury, as well as weapons of the MP's bodyguards. Checkpoints now ring Suva, and MPs were turned back from meeting. Bainimarama says "I don't have any comments right now".

The BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk) and Fiji Times (http://www.fijitimes.com/) sites are decent ones to keep updated. (The Fiji Daily Post has evacuated.)

Troops denied Ministers of Parliament the right to pass through armed checkpoints to meet last night, and today they surrounded Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase's home for a time, then confiscated his vehicles. Qarase is refusing to resign, but essentially appears to be under some form of undeclared house arrest.

Fiji's President Ratu (Sir) Josefa Iloilo has dissolved Parliament, but says he "neither condones nor supports" the Army's actions, but said the actions were "clearly outside the Constitution, contrary to the rule of law and our democratic ideals".

The Great Council of Chiefs has told Commodore Bainimarama, through their chariman, Ratu Ovini Bokini, " "Where youre taking Fiji now will only end in grief and hopelessness for all its peoples. Please hold on for a moment and think again about what youre going. You told the GCC you will protect and defend this country. Now you've turned your back on God, the chiefs, our country and the church," as he asked the Army to turn away from the PM's home. "We have come out of the darkness of 2000 we have an elected Government but now you've returned us to a climate of uneasiness."

(BBC, Fiji Times extracts)

It appears Fiji's fourth coup in twenty years is well under way. :(

As of 6:00 this evening [5:00pm AEDT], the military has taken over the Government, has executive authority in the running of this country...
Therefore, having stepped into the shoes of the president, I shall now therefore dismiss the Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase according to the Commodore, as reported by ABC News (http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200612/s1804858.htm) Australia.
:td: :(

Australia was requested to intervene, but refused.
It is not in our national interests, the PM was quoted, and would in effect be an invasion.

It's very sad that this coup (and the Fiji coup culture) continues.
A range of sanctions, including defence ties, have been imposed, but who knows what happens next.

Oh, now I remember why we are headed off to Moorea and the Marquesas and NOT to Fiji. Hope this is over soon. The coups there have kept me away more than once.

"Commodore Frank Bainimarama said in a televised address he had assumed executive powers and dismissed Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase.

Cmdr Bainimarama accused the prime minister of corruption and leading Fiji on a path of doom." - BBC

The military is now in charge of Fiji, and has dismissed the legitimate government. The 4th coup in 20 years, not a record to be proud of. And now, the Fiji Times has shuttered down:

"Update 10.40pm: The Fiji Times Limited has suspended publication after the Fiji military ordered the paper not to publish any "propaganda" against the new political leadership."

Watch the tourism industry sink to the bottom of the Marianas Trench.

SMH (http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/fiji-pm-flown-out-of-suva/2006/12/06/1165080979613.html)has summarised agency reports with the news:
- PM flown with his family from Suva back to his home island
- PM spoke to reporters & 200 supporters last night, but some media suppressed/censored by military:
"The government they want to set up will be totally illegal," Qarase said last night.
"What the military commander has done has raped our constitution."
- US aid suspended, as a result of the 'coup attempt' (in hopes it is reversible)
- Seizure of power deplored by UN, and reinstatement of legitimate government is urged.

The Fiji Times is publishing again...

"Armed soldiers close Fiji Parliament, detain State officials
Update: 12.55PM Fiji's Upper House has been forced to adjourn its session this morning after the military started rounding up and detaining senior government figures."

Some Indo-Fijians seem to support the coup, as PM Qarase also supported a legal amendment that would reserve coastal lands for indigenous (non-Indo-Fijian) peoples.

With about 50% indigenous Fijians and 44% Indo-Fijians, there is much about ancestry in this mess, as usual. Indian indentured workers were brought by the British to work sugar cane; they stayed and brought family members, opened businesses and thrived, the rest is history... in the making. The last coup was all about clashes between these two major groups of Fijian residents.

JDiver, Internaut and any other FTers in Fiji:
What is the local news angle on the declaration of a State of Emergency, possible curfews tonight and the arrest of the acting Police Commisioner and others?
This happened this afternoon according to the Ministry of Information and this ABC news (http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200612/s1805591.htm)Australia report.

Aside from the SoE, the SMH (http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/fiji-emergency-declared/2006/12/06/1165080979613.html)reports on 3,000 troops in Suva to possibly enforce a curfew. Acting Police Commisioner Driver has been arrested and arrests of members of the judiciary, who have protested the coup, look possible.

This looks like a crushing offensive against dissent, and is a terrible event for this country's people and their wellbeing, IMO.
[Thinking of you and hoping sense prevails sometime soon...]

BiziBB, I agree - things are very tense, and some are talking about resistance. I'd not want to be around if that happens - Fiji has a good dose of fierceness in its culture, and its fighters, past and present, have a reputation for being fearless and fierce.

From the BBC:

A state of emergency has been declared on the South Pacific island state of Fiji, as the military tightens its grip a day after a bloodless coup.

The army has dissolved parliament, sworn in a caretaker prime minister and sacked Fiji's acting police chief. (The Police already had their weapons confiscated.)

Deposed Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, Australia and New Zealand are urging Fijians to peacefully resist the coup.

But coup leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama warned: "The military will suppress very quickly any uprising."

These are indeed sad days for Fiji.I have renamed the new illegal leader Commodore Bananarama-a far more appropriate name for the circumstances.
an interesting report on our national broadcaster yesterday saying the most important reason for the coup was police investigations into the armed forces over several matters mainly involving corrution but the most serious was a matter concerning the bashing deaths of 5 fijian soldiers who were not loyal to the commodore.If this is indeed the case i truly fear Fijis future.
Now in a quandary.I do love the Fijian people so still intending to visit in april 07.To not do so would be harming the ordinary Fijians.However I will not mention the coup.
To previous posters-as was pointed out to me Fiji was not a british colony.In approximately 1876 the chiefs ceded foreign affairs defence etc powers to britain for 100 years.The last point of the treaty was that Fiji should be returned to the chiefs in 100 years in the condition it was ceded.Many Fijians think that should have meant indentured labourers should have been repatriated by britain.Another brilliant success story for british administration.

Indeed, Fiji is a member of the Commonwealth, like Canada, New Zealand or Australia, and an independent nation. At this time, Australia has ships in the area for the possible evacuation of its citizens, and New Zealand has aircraft on standby alert to fly to Fiji to evacuate its citizens (B757 or C-130.)

A caretaker Prime Minister (Jona Baravilala Senilagakali, someone who is a political unknown but a military doctor,) has been sworn in, and he interestingly enough ahs admitted the coup was illegal, but also said that the alternative was continued and intolerable corruption by the ousted government.

Lieutenant Colonel Jimi Koroi, a former policeman, has been appointed interim chief of police, a smart move because his 27 years as a police officer has made him acceptable to a number of officers (we'll see if they get their weapons back - a good clue as to how much the police actually are trusted by the Army.) Koroi was retired, and asked to join the Army by commnander and former PM Sitiveni Rabuka, who had a leading role in the previous coup - so this is also a very poilictical appointment, of course.

Commodore Voreqe "Frank" Bainimarama has said he will hand over power to the Great Council of Chiefs and ask them to reappoint reappoint President Josefa Iloilo, who will re-establish a temporary govenment and lead the country into elections (when is undetermined.)

We'll see if all this can be managed without bloodshed and how other countries will receive it all - the US has discontinued aid, the Commonwealth has censured Fiji. At least for now, the media are operating, and news is filtering out of the country. We will hope the people of Fiji aren't too badly injured by all this, as the tourism industry will suffer - and if the Fijian dollar declines in value as a result, so will Fijian industry.

BBC today (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6216664.stm) says in part:

"The military leaders of Fiji's coup are facing mounting opposition over their decision to depose the prime minister and his government.

Powerful tribal and church leaders are refusing to recognise the new regime, while ordinary Fijians have been urged to begin peaceful resistance."

The current military-appointed PM says elections could be a year or two away, and still acknowledges the coup as illegal. The Great Council of Cheifs is upset their appointments (President, Vice-President and nearly have the MPs,) were overthrown, The Council of Churches is also opposed. These two are hugely influential bodies in Fiji.

According to the Fiji Times, two of their correspondents were picked up and hassled by the military and warned off - a union leader making comments in a private club was also taken into custody. In part, a lead article reads

"Fiji Times publisher Tony Yianni said the letters had presented reasonable opinions.

"We have given an undertaking to publish responsibly and not to publish anything that could incite unrest," Mr Yianni said.

"Neither of these letters could be considered as anything other than reasonable debate, given the situation in Fiji at the moment.

"Commodore Bainimarama promised to uphold media freedom but these actions restricts the freedom of speech, which is protected by Fiji's Constitution."

Army spokesman Major Neumi Leweni said yesterday he was not aware of the two incidents." :rolleyes:

The Fiji Times is standing up to these self-appointed leaders and censors, but these are not good signs at all, IMO. :td: (If you are there or visit, do not discuss the coup or government at this stressful time.)

In spite of Dec 8's military official denial they knew of people being detained for speaking out against the new administration that took over at the barrel of a gun, the BBC today states, in small part:

"Fiji's military leaders have warned people not to speak out against the Pacific Island's new rulers, or face being taken in for questioning. Military spokesman Neumi Leweni said that they would take a tough stance with anyone "inciting problems"...

There are reports that several prominent Fijians have already been taken to the armed forces headquarters."

"'When we hear or it is reported that some individual is attempting to make some statement that we see as inciting or could create problems, we will call the individuals in and speak to them,' said Maj Neumi Leweni, a military spokesman."

Ni sa moce (goodbye,) democracy; ni sa moce, civil rights. If you are there, as recommended two days ago, be careful of what you say and where you say it.

He said those who refused to go voluntarily would be "persuaded by other means".

Truly sad.However I have decided i will be going to Fiji in April 07.I will not say anything about the coup even if asked.
I have decided to go because ordinary fijians are going to need help.Bags of clothing are being assembled to take.Anyone else going think of doing something similiar.Any of the hotel staff will advise of a village that would be happy to receive good quality clothing(usually theirs).Young males particularly go for Brisbane Broncos gear.You will have a wonderful day at a village meeting some extraordinarily beautiful people.I did this after 2 of the previous coups and it was appreciated then.

drron, that's a thoughtful and consistent gesture. Any business is good business in these tough times, especially for areas whose sugar or textiles businesses have been affected by sanctions.
I'm looking for ways to go too, but not sure when.
A return to an elected government must be the top priority, and the rule of law returned.
I think Aussies and Kiwis will return quite quickly to the 'coast' area to the west - away from the troubles in Suva.

Well I have returned from Fiji.Many of my Fijian friends are doing it tough.Hotel and restaurant staff have had their hours cut back and are now facing pay cuts as well.On top of this the Fijian entry card now asks if you are bringing in used clothing for Fijian residents or charity.Seeing I list my wine as fermented fruit juice not alcohol i did not find it hard to answer the question.
Although I was not going to talk about the coup many Fijians did.Those of ethnic Indian origin were in favour of the coup.Most fijians said nothing but a significant number expressed opposition.This was especially so after the Commodore attended a meeting of the Council of cheifs that was to select a new Vice-President.Many thought it was most disrespectful.
I am afraid another coup will occur though it may be years away.The Indians may be the merchants and control the economy but the Fijians are the warriors.

drron, I was a little distressed by the latest turn in the past few days, with the anti-Australia overtones and rumours of recent mutiny plots from the past year.

If we hadn't picked up the great JQ first-day HNL fares we would already have spent some quality time in Fiji.

While things are down now, it is such a good place and great people that things are sure to improve.

Did anyone mention the totally mad, disgusting but sick/funny (for us!) story of the drunk soldier who urinated on his Japanese seatmate?
That's the most bizarre travel story I've heard this year! :eek:
I thought Fijians could hold their drink- apparently not all!

Although some interim government spokesman were blaming the Ausralian and NZ governments for various problems there was no discernible anti-australian feelings whereever I went.As usual it was business as usual for tourists post coup.
Unfortunately the Commodore has now sacked the Great Council Of Cheifs and one of the Council was taken to the barracks for questioning.This is not going to go down well with a lot of ethnic Fijians.

Those of you in Fiji, have things quieted down at all? I have been to Fiji a few times, and my favorite parts of the trips were going to Suva and the villages. I am not much of a resort person.

Now I am hoping to come back in June with a friend. I would like to take her to Suva and some of the other places I went last time I was in FJ in '98.
Is it safe these days for foreigners to wander around? Or are we best off staying out in the Mamanucas or Yasawas, away from all the politics?

Updated Aussie travel warning, reported in today's SMH... probably not applicable to tourist areas though, warning of recent health alerts:
Three dead, scores ill in Fiji disease outbreak (http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/three-dead-scores-ill-in-fiji-disease-outbreak/2007/04/19/1176696965588.html)

...Australia yesterday expanded its warnings about travel to post-coup Fiji to cover outbreaks of typhoid and mumps.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says its overall message remains: "Exercise a high degree of caution when travelling in Fiji due to the volatile political and security situation following the military coup of December 5.

"The security situation remains uncertain and reactions to the coup could lead to violent clashes."

But the advisory now also adds: "An outbreak of typhoid has been reported in Fiji, affecting the areas around Natewa Bay and Buca Bay on Fiji's northern island of Vanua Levu.

"An outbreak of mumps has been reported in Fiji affecting a number of areas in Viti Levu and Vanua Levu (the two main islands of Fiji), and possibly other neighbouring islands," it says.

Samuela said it was possible Cyclone Cliff, which tore through Vanua Levu on April 4 and affected water supplies, had worsened the situation.

He said carriers of typhoid were people who had completely recovered from the illness, but could spread infection for the rest of their lives if their urine or faeces contaminated food.

But he expressed surprise the Australian government had warned against an outbreak of mumps.

Samuela said people in Fiji were not vaccinated against mumps because of the cost of the inoculations, but there had been no jump in reported cases.

I just flew back to Auckland frm Nadi today all was normal same as the last time i was in fiji in 2001 and 2005. Basicly you couldnt tell that there was a coup realy.

everything in Nadi was normal.The only thing I noticed that was different was that the Fijian army were doing their calisthenics on denarau.After the last 3 coups and in normal times the army were not seen on Denarau.
I did not go to Suva but if there were to be any trouble thats where it would be.

This is certainly not going to help Fiji tourism.As reported before there are a lot of Fijians very upset with the Commodore.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/news/blog-urges-violence-in-tourist-areas/2007/06/22/1182019347535.html

You're still in more danger of being shot on an average day in Sydney or Melbourne, than in Suva or Nadi during a coup.

[QUOTE=shillard;7953159]You're still in more danger of being shot on an average day in Sydney or Melbourne, than in Suva or Nadi during a coup.[/QUOTEI have been in Fiji just after every coup.This one felt different.But I agree with you and enjoy your blog.

Bula! For the average visitor, be it Australian, American or Antarctican ;), it's pretty safe. But, some have been detained for short periods of time, and it is possible to get into nasty situations if angry crowds gather - and moreso if they are intoxicated in any of several ways.

In the meantime, things are not getting much better in terms of civil liberties: ex-PM Laiesenia Qarase, deposed in December's coup, has returned to Fiji after eight months of living in exile.

Commodore and self-appointed President Voreqe Bainimarama and his military coup leaders have extended the "Public Emergency Regulation" (state of emergency) yet another thirty days, presumably due to Mr. Qarase's return. The "Public Emergency Regulation" and "Public Order Act" authorise the authorities to detain people without charges. This move could cause further demonstrations and unrest in response, particularly in Suva, the capital; one such peaceful gathering of a few people with Fijian flags was broken up and people detained for "unlawful assembly."

The allows detention for such acts as:

The "Public Emergency Regulation", which came into effect at midday September 7, forbids, among other things:

Public gatherings without prior approval from the Commissioner of Police;

Intimidation, acts of threats of violence or any other disorderly behaviour, and

Any action that will hinder public safety.


The arresting authority has the right to determine which acts by a person fall into those rubrics.

There seem to be no indications at present as to when there might be some kind of democratic election allowing Fiji to return to being a democratic nation.

Bula! According to the BBC, the state of emergency will be lifted in hours... though this certainly doesn't mean a return to Democracy in the next few days, it's good news.

"A military spokesman said that the measures would end on Saturday (October 6, 2007) because there was no threat to the nation...

The state of emergency has worried the international community and drawn strong criticism from Fiji's major aid donors.

'No threat'

Military spokesman Lt-Col Mosese Tikoitoga said that there was no need to prolong the measures, which allowed the government to restrict public protests and detain people without charge."

Link (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7029352.stm)to full BBC article.