New Zealand not to impose further sanctions against Fiji: FM

New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully said on Friday that he will not support imposing further sanctions against Fiji, in the wake of the expulsion of the Acting Head of Mission in Suva.

Todd Cleaver was given 24 hours to leave, in retaliation for travel sanctions imposed on the country's newly-appointed judges. New Zealand's High Commission in Suva is now down to one diplomat and two administration staff.

McCully said in Auckland on Friday that the sanctions New Zealand already has in place are intended to send a clear message about acceptable standards of behavior, Ridio NewsTalk ZB reported.

McCully said New Zealand's relationship with Fiji has bounced up and down on a regular basis. He hoped that after having had a down week, it is possible sensible people in Fiji will now get to a position of starting to do constructive things again.

New Zealand's current sanctions against Fiji include a travel ban preventing people in the military regime, anyone associated with the coup, or anyone holding a high position in a Fijian Government department from gaining a visa to enter New Zealand. There is also a freeze on Fijians taking up seasonal employment visas and a ban on sporting contacts.

Source: Xinhua