Aussies urged to be wary of Fiji travel

The Australian government has warned Australians travelling to Fiji to be cautious
because of the unresolved political situation there, following a court ruling that
declared the Pacific nation's military government illegal.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has reviewed and reissued its
travel warning, saying travellers should be cautious due to the latest announcements
and the deterioration in the rule of law following the military coup in December
2006.
On Thursday, the Fijian Court of Appeal ruled that the interim government, installed
after the coup, was illegal and elections should be held.
In response to the court's ruling, self-appointed Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama
went on national television to announce he had met President Ratu Josefa Iloilo and
told him he was relinquishing the prime minister's post.
On Friday, Mr Iloilo announced in a broadcast radio address he had abolished the
constitution, assumed all governing power and disbanded the Court of Appeal.
He said he would appoint an interim prime minister soon and that elections would be
held in 2014.
DFAT's smartraveller website said it had reviewed its travel advisory in light of
the developments, adding there had been reports of increases in violent crime with
expatriates and tourists targeted.
"This is a significant decision which may lead to increased political uncertainty in
Fiji," DFAT says on its smartraveller.gov.au website.
"We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Suva due to the unresolved
political situation in Fiji."
It said that any adverse political event in Fiji could lead to an outbreak of
violence and civil unrest, in particular in and around Suva.
"Actions taken by the military and other government organisations since the coup
have undermined the protections ordinarily afforded by the rule of law and have
affected the interests and welfare of Australians in some instances," DFAT says.