SUVA, Fiji, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Fijian strongman Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama said Tuesday Australian and New Zealand envoys to his country have 24 hours to leave.
Bainimarama told reporters in Suva Australian high commissioner James Batley and his New Zealand counterpart Todd Cleaver were being expelled, and Fiji was recalling its top diplomats in Australia and New Zealand in the latest round of diplomatic tussles between the countries, The Australian reported.
Bainimarama said the expulsions were in retaliation for Australian and New Zealand interference in Fiji's internal affairs. The Fijian ruler reportedly said Monday the two countries were trying to undermine its judiciary. The move comes after Fiji Chief Justice Anthony Gates voiced strong complaints about several incidents arising from travel bans placed by the two countries on Fiji's judges.
The Australian said the diplomatic expulsions appear to have been triggered when New Zealand and Australia disputed key aspects of Gates's version of the incidents.
