NZ Foreign Minister, Murray McCulley has held talks with Fiji's Interim Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama this afternoon on NZ's travel sanction policy and the reported planned expulsion of Acting NZ High Commissioner, Caroline McDonald.
But NZ Prime Minister, John Key is in the dark on what took place in the telephone conversation.
Key told Newstalk ZB that he has only been able to get a short briefing from McCulley over what took place during the call with Bainimarama.
John Key said it appears there is still a standoff with the interim government.
Key has made it clear today that the NZ government will not amend its travel sanction policy against Fiji to suit the interim government.
Key has revealed to the NZ media that he has written to Commodore Frank Bainimarama this morning informing him about NZ's stance.
Key also said NZ has taken a reasonable and pragmatic approach to Fiji and he hopes the outstanding issues would be resolved. But if they were not, it could affect the ability of NZ to run its high commission in Suva.
Key said it questions the safety and security of the NZ citizens working at the high commission.
Fiji has also refused to issue diplomatic visas to replace the NZ defense attaché, who leaves next week and the NZ police attaché, who leaves next month. There also reports in NZ that non-specific threats have been made against other diplomatic staff.
Commodore Bainimarama is currently attending the Bose Ni Turaga at the military barracks and is expected to comment later.
It is expected that Bainimarama will take the step after the refusal of the visa applications of the son of the President's Secretary, Rupeni Nacewa, the daughter of the Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor Lepani Waqatakirewa and Fiji Under 20 soccer player Jone Nailogi as his father is in the military.
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NZ Foreign Minister Talks With Interim PM
