NZ Envoy Leaves Post, Returns Home; New Fiji President Appointed

November 5, 2009 6:19 a.m. EST

Suva, Fiji (AHN) - New Zealand's top diplomat in Fiji Todd Cleaver has just left the country along with his wife and two children.

The Cleaver's left on Air New Zealand flight NZ55 from the Nadi International Airport, according to unnamed sources.

Earlier today, staff of the NZ High Commission, families and friends farewelled them at their Suva home.

Cleaver's expulsion, along with Australia's High Commissioner to Fiji James Batley, follows a diplomatic row between Fiji and the two Governments.

Meanwhile, Fiji's acting President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has been appointed to the post of President by the Chief Justice Anthony Gates.

He was sworn-in in front of members of the Diplomatic corp, Cabinet Ministers and Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

Ratu Epeli, a former military commander, served as Speaker of the House of Representatives for six years until 2006.

The House of Representatives is the lower and more powerful chamber of the Fijian Parliament.

He has also held the posts of Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Provincial Development and Multi-Ethnic Affairs.

Ratu Epeli was appointed vice President in April this year and acted in the position on July 30 following the retirement of his predecessor, Ratu Josefa Iloilo.