New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has made it clear this hour 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 confirmed that his Foreign Minister Murray McCulley will also speak to Bainimarama this afternoon to try to stop the planned expulsion of Acting NZ High Commissioner to Fiji Caroline McDonald.
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 are 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.
The NZ Herald has reported that the NZ government has no intentions of backing down and is considering expelling Fiji's High Commissioner Ponsami Chetty if Commodore Bainimarama carries out his threat against McDonald.
Fiji has also refused to issue diplomatic visas to replace the NZ defense attache, who leaves next week and the NZ police attache, who leaves next month.
There are 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.
McDonald is currently in a meeting at the NZ High Commission in Suva.
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.
Interim Defense Minister Ratu Epeli Ganilau said he is unaware of any such developments in relation to the reported planned expulsion of McDonald.
Immigration Director Commander Viliame Naupoto also said that he was unaware of any such incident last night.
The Foreign Minister of NZ, Murray McCulley said he does not know how the situation will play out today and he will speak directly to Commodore Bainimarama this afternoon.
The NZ Labour Party Leader, Phil Goff said the situation is very concerning.
In an interview with Fijivillage News yesterday, Commodore Bainimarama stressed that NZ and Australia should review its travel sanction policy and he confirmed that he made this clear to the NZ and Australian Foreign Ministers in his meeting with the Forum Ministerial Contact Group last week.
Bainimarama said NZ and Australia need to change their attitude now. He is expected to make further comments later.
