Fiji expels NZ, Australia envoys over Lankan judges` incident
Fiji has ordered the envoys of New Zealand and Australia, its two biggest neighbours, to leave within 24 hours.

The country`s military ruler, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, has accused the two countries of interfering in Fiji`s internal affairs.

Cmdr Bainimarama wants to hire a group of Sri Lankan judges after sacking the judiciary earlier this year.

Fiji has accused Australia and New Zealand of placing a travel ban on the judges if they took up the posts.

Cmdr Bainimarama took power in a coup in 2006 and was reappointed prime minister in April by the president two days after a court ruled the coup and subsequent government was illegal.

The two countries have placed travel bans on all senior officials in Fiji`s government because of the coup.



BBC November 3, 2009 12:50 pm