NZ withdraws High Commission staff from Suva

New Zealand's High Commission in Suva Monday moves its staff out of the Fijian capital in fears of a coup.

New Zealand media said concerns are growing over the political situation in Fiji, following comments by the military commander, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, who has spoken of a "clean up" of the government.

The Army chief has called up Fijian army reservists.

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs has upgraded the travel warning for Fiji, saying there is a high risk to security in Suva and an increasing risk in Fiji generally.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the situation could deteriorate rapidly, and is being closely monitored.

Tensions in Fiji have been high since Bainimarama threatened last month to remove Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase from office.

Bainimarama ever backed down from those threats after Qarase met his demand to amend controversial legislation, removing amnesties for people convicted over Fiji's 2000 coup.

But rift between the army chief and the Prime Minister remains following Bainimarama's speech this month that the army has "given up" on the Government.

Source: Xinhua