Fiji Diplomat Expelled From NZ

November 4, 2009 5:51 a.m. EST

Suva, Fiji (AHN) - Fiji's Acting Head of Mission in Wellington, Kuliniasi Savou has been declared Persona Non Grata by the New Zealand government.

This follows the expulsion of New Zealand's Acting Head of Mission in Fiji, Todd Cleaver.

NZ Foreign Minister Murray McCully confirmed that Savou was informed of the decision during a meeting in Wellington with officials from New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

No comments could be obtained from Cleaver despite an emailed request.

NZ's High Commission in Suva has also been closed until further notice as a result of the latest political actions between the two countries.

McCully said the Commission will remain closed "while we assess its capability to continue to carry out its main functions".

"I absolutely refute allegations from Suva of any form of victimisation of Judge Wati, which has been used as justification for the expulsion of Mr Cleaver.

"I can confirm that her application for a visa to travel to New Zealand was dealt with by officials within two to three working days, and dispensation granting the visa was signed off by myself and Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman the same day we received the application."

McCully also confirmed that Judge Wati is currently in New Zealand and her son, receiving medical treatment.

Also, according to McCully NZ's travel advisory for New Zealanders visiting Fiji has been changed to reflect the latest developments in Suva.